VR Bridge® Technology as a Mechanism for Facilitating the Activities of International Scientific Ambassadors amid the Digital Transformation of Public Diplomacy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31767/su.2(113)2026.02.10Keywords:
science diplomacy, international scientific ambassadors, VR Bridge®, immersive communication platforms, academic mobility, public administration, international relationsAbstract
The article examines an innovative mechanism for supporting the activities of international scientific ambassadors in the context of the digital transformation of public diplomacy. The evolution of public diplomacy concepts is analyzed, with particular attention to the interrelationship between cultural, educational, scientific, and digital diplomacy as instruments of indirect international influence. Special emphasis is placed on the transition from traditional forms of diplomatic activity to digital and virtual modes of interaction based on the use of modern information and communication technologies. The study establishes that the further development of diplomacy is closely associated with the implementation of integrated digital solutions that facilitate not only the transmission of information but also the development of trust, empathy, and cognitive engagement among actors in international relations. The VR Bridge® technology is examined as an immersive mechanism of cross-border communication that operates through 3D visualization and audio interaction, creating a sense of presence and a shared communicative environment. The findings demonstrate that the use of such immersive platforms can mitigate the limitations of physical mobility faced by Ukrainian researchers under martial law, enhance the effectiveness of international scientific cooperation, and contribute to the emergence of a new model of diplomatic communication focused on cognitive and emotional influence. The article also explores the practical implementation of VR Bridge® within the activities of international scientific ambassadors, particularly as a tool for supporting academic mobility, fostering international partnerships, and facilitating the integration of Ukrainian science into the global research landscape. It is argued that immersive communication platforms should be viewed not only as technological solutions but also as institutional mechanisms for ensuring the resilience of educational and scientific systems in times of crisis. The results of the study indicate the relevance of VR Bridge® technology as a component of contemporary science diplomacy and as a promising mechanism for supporting the operation of the newly established institution of international scientific ambassadors.
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