Research security – from concept to implementation
No, of course, ZSI did not invent the topic of research security in Europe, but we could contribute to it through our projects. In particular, the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on Tackling Foreign Interference, in which numerous EU member states participated, should be mentioned in this regard. Rapporteur of this MLE was Klaus Schuch, senior researcher at ZSI.
The work of the MLE was an important input for the EU Council Recommendation of 23 May 2024 on enhancing research security, which sets the scene for the implementation of numerous research security measures in the forthcoming years at the level of the European Union, the EU Member States and the research funding organisations as well as research performing organisations.
Further projects with ZSI involvement that contribute to research security are:
Enhancing research security in the EU, in which we support the European Commission, the EU Member States, research funders and research performing organisations in implementing the forementioned EU Council Recommendations.
Research Security in Austra: The report covers two central questions: What has Austria done so far in this matter and what steps could Austria’s national Council for Science, Innovation and Technology recommend ensuring continued international cooperation in the light of geopolitical developments?
Two more strands of knowledge provide context to the topic of responsible international cooperation, in which research security is embedded. That is on one hand knowledge about China, the upcoming superpower in R&I, and on the other hand knowledge about science diplomacy.
Our China activities:
Support to the Knowledge Network on China (KNOC) and the follow-up project European R&I Knowledge Network on China 2.0 to connect networks, centres, and experts working on China. ZSI was responsible for setting up the expert database, using a tailored approach based on bibliometric and machine learning methods, and conducting two out of the five planned analytical studies.
ReConnect China generates independent knowledge for a resilient future with China for Europe and its citizens.
Our Science Diplomacy activities:
The European Framework for Science Diplomacy project, whose overall objective of the contract is to support the development of mechanisms for cooperation in Science Diplomacy and a framework for European Science Diplomacy which shall strengthen the networks between science and technology and foreign policy, improve Europe’s diplomacy and its geopolitical position and build capacities for European Science Diplomacy. This project supports the European Commission, the Network of Science Advisors and Science Diplomacy Coordinators in EU Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the European Science Diplomacy Alliance, EU Delegations and the stakeholder community in Europe and worldwide.
Support to the multilateral dialogue on principles and values for international cooperation in research and innovation, in which ZSI supported DG RTD in the implementation of the Global Approach and more precisely in follow-up measures to the multilateral dialogue between the European Commission, Member States, Associated and Third Countries as well as different international and European stakeholders.
ZSI is also active founding member of the European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance.
