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On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), Oberon in collaboration with Dialogic is conducting a baseline measurement among universities and universities of applied sciences. In this baseline measurement, we are investigating the status of implementation of the National Guideline for Knowledge Security and how institutions have responded to the minister's call to conduct or update a risk analysis related to knowledge security. This baseline measurement is fulfilling the external knowledge security audit that the minister has promised to the House of Representatives.
What is the reason for this research?
Universities and universities of applied sciences are increasingly operating on an international stage. The proportion of foreign scientific personnel is growing, as is the number of publications involving scientists from universities in different countries. The percentage of foreign students at Dutch universities is also increasing. Internationalisation of higher education and research can contribute to addressing global challenges and keep the Netherlands connected to rapid developments in other countries.
However, international collaborations can also bring risks and undesirable consequences. The National Guideline for Knowledge Security addresses three types of risks: (1) the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology with negative consequences for our national security and Dutch innovation capacity, (2) covert influencing and interference activities by state actors, and (3) ethical issues related to collaboration with individuals and institutions from countries where fundamental rights are not respected.
In recent years, there has been increasing attention in politics and society to these risks. This has led to a desire to develop more active policy on knowledge security.
What does our research involve?
In this baseline measurement, we are investigating the status of implementation of the National Guideline for Knowledge Security and how institutions have responded to the minister's call to conduct or update a risk analysis related to knowledge security. To achieve this, we are distributing a questionnaire among universities and universities of applied sciences. Additionally, we will conduct in-depth case studies at some universities and universities of applied sciences. The information gathered from these steps will be analysed to create sector-specific images for universities and universities of applied sciences. These sector-specific images will be presented to the House of Representatives by OCW. It is expected that the sector image for universities will be released around summer, followed by the sector image for universities of applied sciences in autumn.
Interested in learning more about this research? Contact Max Kemman or Timon de Boer.