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Good science cannot do without international collaboration by knowledge institutions and researchers. At the same time, state actors are increasingly using knowledge as a tool of power. This leads to knowledge security risks such as unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology, covert influence, and ethical issues. This poses a threat to Dutch interests, European values, and science itself. We are conducting research, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (ministerie van OCW), together with research agency Oberon, into how knowledge institutions shape their knowledge security policies.
Sector outlook for universities: policy in development
The sector outlook for universities was presented to the Dutch House of Representatives in October 2023. We conclude:- Knowledge security has become a top priority for universities.
- Universities have systematically conducted a risk analysis.
- Universities are taking measures to minimize these risks.
- Due to a decentralised organisation, universities struggle to maintain a central overview of international partnerships.
- Currently, knowledge security is only partially translated into personnel policies and codes of conduct due to the risk of stigma and discrimination.
Sector outlook for universities of applied sciences: policy in development, but not universally relevant
The sector outlook for universities of applied sciences was sent to the Dutch House of Representatives in March 2024. We conclude:- There is a wide diversity in the sector, with varying perceptions of the importance of knowledge security.
- Universities of applied sciences generally conduct less (sensitive) research and have fewer collaborations with partners outside the European Union.
- Some universities of applied sciences have not yet met the agreements of the 2022 Administrative Agreement and have not conducted a systematic risk analysis or appointed a board portfolio holder or advisory team.
- Risk analyses usually focus on research or technology. For universities of applied sciences, their position in the ecosystem is also important: they collaborate with companies or institutions and serve as a gateway to their network.
- A large number of universities of applied sciences do not develop knowledge security policies due to the absence of risks. One risk is that without sufficient expertise, it is difficult to identify knowledge security risks.
Sector outlook for KNAW and NWO institutes: policy in development, stakeholders perceive limited risks
The sector outlook for KNAW and NWO institutes was sent to the Dutch House of Representatives in June 2024. We conclude:- The policy development and determination lie with the KNAW and NWO-I offices, while the implementation and institution-specific implementation lie with the institutes.
- There is intensive collaboration on knowledge security policy between institutes and between the KNAW and NWO-I offices.
- In general, the offices and institutes perceive limited risks in terms of knowledge security.
- Abstract national policies translate into impacts on individual promising applicants and esteemed colleagues within the institutes. This can lead to stigma, discrimination, or exclusion.
- Knowledge security policy requires a new balance between academic values and national security.
- There are different interpretations of concepts (including 'crown jewels') which affect risk analyses and the development of knowledge security policies.
