As the geopolitical environment changes, protecting knowledge is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, interconnected, innovative and competitive research depends on knowledge being able to circulate as freely as possible, with few barriers. An expert report shows how these two objectives can be reconciled.
As part of the Open Science II programme, swissuniversities commissioned a team of experts from the University of Bern, the CSS at ETH Zurich and HES-SO to examine how Knowledge Security and Open Science can be brought together. The report examines risks to Knowledge Security in the context of Open Science. It outlines the regulatory frameworks for Knowledge Security and Open Science in Switzerland and Europe, and identifies factors that can be used to assess risks to Knowledge Security within a project. One such factor is the strategic value of research content, whether for economic competitiveness, scientific progress or military applications. Content with strategic value is particularly vulnerable to misuse.
Practical recommendations and specialized units
In addition to guidance on risk assessment, the report includes a toolbox of numerous non-binding recommendations for action. It is intended to help higher education institutions minimise risks to Knowledge Security.
One practical approach, for example, is to assess early in international research collaborations which data, technologies and expertise will be shared and whether they should be considered sensitive. On this basis, appropriate safeguards can be put in place to enable responsible collaboration and protect sensitive knowledge.
In line with the report on Knowledge Security by swissuniversities, approved by the SHK in November 2025, the report also recommends establishing specialised units or appointing experts at higher education institutions. They advise researchers on publishing their work, manage data and identify risks at an early stage. For sensitive topics, they conduct more in-depth risk analyses and ensure that legal and regulatory frameworks are taken into account. This ensures that Knowledge Security is considered throughout the research process.
Only if knowledge security and Open Science are reconciled can Swiss research remain responsible, secure and competitive.
View the full report and toolbox here.
These materials reflect the views of the authors; they do not represent the position of swissuniversities or that of the participating higher education institutions.