News

Guidelines on tackling foreign interference targeting EU research organisations and higher education institutions

20. Jan 2022

On January 14, the European Commission published guidelines for tackling R&I foreign
interference in research organisations and higher education institutions in the EU. Both the EU Member States and various stakeholders have contributed to the creation of this guidance document.
 
The Commission announced these guidelines in May 2021 in its Communication "The Global Approach to Research and Innovation". Therein, the EU commits to international openness and fundamental values in research and innovation. At the same time, it currently sees the integrity and autonomy of European research and innovation threatened by the undue influence of third countries.
 
The newly published guidelines are intended as an assistance and toolkit for universities and research organisations seeking to protect themselves from illegitimate influence in their collaborations with actors outside the EU. The document is organised around four themes: Values, Governance, Partnerships, and Cybersecurity. Specific recommendations for action are provided for each topic area. Universities and research organisations can use these to develop their own strategies to protect themselves from unwanted influence by third countries. However, the guidelines are not binding and do not claim to be exhaustive.
 
Furthermore, the Commission has announced by the end of this year a code of practice on smart use of intellectual property in an international context to raise awareness among universities, research organisations and businesses.

Guidelines on tackling foreign interference targeting EU research organisations and higher education institutions
European Commission press release
Commission Communication on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation