Research Security in a Challenging Geopolitical Environment (IN ENGLISH)

What is Research Security?

Research security refers to protecting scientific activities from misuse or undue influence by non-EU countries or non-state actors. There is an inherent risk that knowledge or technology developed through research may be transferred illegally and used in ways that threaten the security of the EU.

Protecting research is vital to safeguarding public investment. It is essential to prevent the misuse of research data and advanced technologies generated within universities, and to protect the safety of researchers, staff, and students. Research security risks may also involve ethical breaches or violations of personal integrity.

This page provides resources for research organisations and researchers to understand and comply with regulations on export control and foreign direct investment, which are essential elements in protecting sensitive research.

The ISP’s Role in Relation to Research

Many research organisations must be aware of the regulatory frameworks administered by the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP). Key considerations include:

• What rules apply to the export of different types of technology and physical products (e.g. prototypes, models)?
• How are these products classified?
• When must international sanctions be taken into account?
• How are the research projects financed?
• Who are the collaborating partners?

The ISP (Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products) works with the regulations concerning military equipment, dual-use items (DUIs), international sanctions, and the review of foreign direct investments.

National Guidelines for Responsible Internationalization

National guidelines for responsible internationalization have been developed by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), the Swedish Research Council, and Vinnova on behalf of the Swedish government. The ISP is one of the authorities that participated in this government assignment.

A key proposal from the assignment is to establish a national support function for research organisations in 2025. The support function will assist the research community in implementing the national guidelines and managing research security risks responsibly.

Are You Working with Cutting-Edge Research?

Academic institutions and research-intensive companies in Sweden are developing advanced technologies some of which may have military applications or may be vulnerable to misuse if they fall into the wrong hands. As a result, research and development activities may be subject to several regulatory frameworks regulated by the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP).

If you are working with cutting-edge research in a start-up, deep tech company, or incubator, it is important to be aware of the regulations that apply to dual-use items, military equipment, international sanctions, and foreign direct investments in sensitive areas.

Through identifying and managing risks, you contribute to safeguarding Swedish research security.

The Responsibility of Research Organizations to Protect Sensitive Research

A researcher’s primary task is to develop and share new technology and knowledge. However, if actors that pose a threat to Sweden and other nations misuse Swedish technological advancements, the consequences can be serious – especially because Swedish research is at the global forefront.

The changing security landscape means that researchers must be aware that sensitive research has now entered a tense geopolitical context. Research projects evolve over time, meaning that individual researchers must continuously assess whether their research is sensitive and in need of protection.

International collaboration is the lifeblood of research. Academic freedom is a fundamental right and essential to Sweden’s prosperity. At the same time, the shifting global security climate means researchers must recognise that their sensitive work could have national or international security implications. By adhering to regulations that aim to, in a responsible way, protect our most sensitive high-end technologies, Sweden and its research institutions can maintain their credibility on the international stage.

Institutional Responsibilities

In Sweden’s decentralised academic system, researchers at universities and higher education institutions enjoy a high degree of autonomy in directing their own work. While this is a well-established and functioning structure, it also places a significant responsibility on universities and research organisations to ensure that:

• Staff are informed about relevant regulations
• Internal guidelines on research security are clear and accessible
• Researchers are encouraged to regularly assess projects through a security lens

These evaluations should include considerations related to export control and foreign investment in sensitive technologies.

Read More

EU Council Recommendation on Research Security: Council Recommendation on Enhancing Research Security (May 2024)

EU Commission Recommendation on on internal compliance programmes for controls of research involving dual-use items