Research Security

Tackling Foreign Interference in Science and Research

The strategic approach to building resilience at Austrian
Universities, Higher Education Institutions and Research Organizations

To identify and mitigate attempts of foreign interference, prevent the harmful transfer of critical knowledge and technologies, and safeguard academic freedom and research integrity, Austrian universities, higher education institutions, and research organizations receive active support in implementing risk management systems, enhancing research security, and strengthening knowledge security. Central to these efforts is a comprehensive and coherent approach, which involves facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, maintaining dialogue, and providing actionable information and guidelines.

Science and research are inherently open and international. International collaboration is a key driver of scientific progress, contributing to excellence and addressing global challenges.

International cooperation in science and research takes place within an increasingly complex and challenging global context, where knowledge and innovation are contested assets. In recent years, there have been intense discussions about the rise of unwanted foreign influence and the corresponding need to enhance research security.

Research Security in the EU Context

Foreign Interference in higher education institutions and research performing organizations is attracting increased attention at the EU level. The European Commission and the member states have established various formats to facilitate the information exchange.

In September 2021, the Competitiveness Council adopted its Conclusions on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation, incorporating the guiding principle of “as open as possible, as closed as necessary.” In early 2022, the Commission published the document “Tackling R&I Foreign Interference.”

Recently, initiatives by the European Commission were proposed and implemented under the umbrella of the European Strategy for Economic Security. In May 2024, the Competitiveness Council unanimously adopted its Recommendation on Enhancing Research Security, providing a key reference for EU Member States’ action on the subject. It calls for a coherent approach and enhanced coordination within the European Research Area (ERA).

Framework & Strands of Action Implemented by the BMBWF

At the national level, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) has already initiated measures, including establishing a single point of contact at the BMBWF.

To support the evidence-based development of these measures, the BMBWF commissioned a baseline study on awareness and measures in the area of Foreign Interference at HEIs, RPOs and funding agencies [„Awareness und Maßnahmen im Bereich Foreign Interference bei Hochschulen, Forschungseinrichtungen und Förderagenturen” (2023/2024; JR-POLICIES and WIFO)].

This creates a reference framework promoting the coherent implementation of structures, tools and actions across all levels and calls for the development of a national approach, striving to achieve harmonized and coherent policies.

Within a comprehensive strategic concept, the BMBWF's role is to support Austrian universities, higher education institutions and research organizations, as well as those institutions conducting non-university research and research funding agencies under its direct responsibility. This approach enables these institutions to take informed decisions, based on a consistent set of measures to mitigate risks and protect against foreign interference.

Under the strategic concept of a “policy-led and government-assisted” approach, a principle-driven and evidence-based framework is being gradually implemented, following these guiding principles:

responsible, productive, and reciprocal international collaboration
“as open as possible, as closed as necessary”
country-agnostic, supplemented by country-/actor-specific guidelines

The BMBWF's focus remains on building awareness to develop a common understanding and facilitating continuous information exchange among stakeholders. These measures include regular awareness raising activities and the distribution of information packages. Additionally, the BMBWF facilitates peer-to-peer learning as well as meetings at executive and technical levels and provides regular briefings and training opportunities.

A particular emphasis of the BMBWF lies in establishing and coordinating dedicated information and networking structures. To ensure efficient and effective collaboration among universities, higher education institutions, as well as those institutions conducting non-university research and research funding agencies under the BMBWF’s direct responsibility, the “Network of Contact Points”, led by the BMBWF, was set up. More than 70 institutions and stakeholders are participating in this network, each with a designated Single Point of Contact, who serves as a liaison within their respective organizations and with the BMBWF. The network is the central structure for information exchange, capacity building, and collaboration on the development and implementation of risk management systems to tackle foreign interference in science and research.

International Environment and Exchange

Collaborations can only be successful and mutually beneficial if conducted on equal footing in a trusted environment. Trust among universities and research organizations, along with a well-founded sense of security for the researchers, can only flourish when like-minded partners collaborate based on shared values and principles that are documented, incorporated and lived-by.

Such an environment requires addressing existing risks proactively and proportionately. Therefore, the BMBWF continues to engage with European and international partners and supports Austrian institutions in peer-to-peer learning. This exchange aims to establish common standards and strengthen the foundations for trustworthy collaboration.

Academic freedom and building trust in science are not only core prerequisites but also key indicators and levers for protecting the strategic resources of science and research.

Single Point of Contact at BMBWF

The BMBWF has created a dedicated Single Point of Contact (SPoC)

research-security@bmbwf.gv.at

serving as the as coordination hub and support structure for the higher education sectors, as well as research institutions, research funding agencies under the BMBWF’s direct responsibility according to § 3 FoFinaG, and other relevant stakeholders within the Ministry’s areas of responsibility.