How National Governments and Research Institutions Safeguard Knowledge Development in Science and Technology

This study aims to provide a systematic overview and comparative analysis of nine national approaches to knowledge security and the forces that drive them. It is commissioned by the Dutch Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (AWTI) and serves as input for a broader AWTI study that provides policy advice to the Dutch government. The main research question the LeidenAsiaCentre study addresses is: How do national governments and research institutions safeguard knowledge development in science and technology in the light of the new or increased risks due to geopolitical and international developments?

The aim is to deepen understanding on approaches to knowledge security, foreign interference and safeguarding academic freedom and on the explicit or implicit rationales for the identified measures. In addition, we aim to identify best practices that may provide inspiration to policy makers and the research sector across the globe, including for the Netherlands. The selected cases concern: Australia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States.