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Knowledge Security

In view of a changing geopolitical environment and the growth of international research cooperations, knowledge security is becoming increasingly important for Swiss universities. Knowledge security aims to prevent the undesirable transfer of sensitive information, know-how and technologies while ensuring scientific excellence and cooperation. 

Report on the Strategic Embedding of Knowledge Security in Switzerland

A working group set up by the Swiss Conference of Higher Education and coordinated by swissuniversities has produced a report on knowledge security for Swiss universities. The report outlines a framework for reconciling security, academic freedom and international competitiveness. 

The report recommends three axes of action: 

  • Axis 1: Raising awareness and building capacity at Swiss universities to better identify and manage risks associated with sensitive knowledge assets. 
  • Axis 2: Improving the legal framework to effectively support knowledge security measures. 
  • Axis 3: National coordination and strategic oversight through the development of mechanisms that enable partners in education, research and innovation (ERI) and government agencies to respond in a coordinated manner to the identified challenges. 

The three recommended axes of action provide a comprehensive framework for reconciling security requirements with the preservation of academic freedom, openness and excellence in research.

Project report on Knowledge Security and Open Science

The report Openness and security: two pillars, one system and the accompanying toolbox help Swiss higher education institutions to consider Open Science and Knowledge Security together and to strengthen them mutually. They highlight synergies and areas of tension and offer practical approaches for a research process that is both open and secure.

The documents were produced as part of a project led by the University of Bern and funded by the Programme Open Science II of swissuniversities. The report and toolbox complement swissuniversities’ ongoing work on Knowledge Security and serve as a resource for higher education institutions. The content reflects the views of the authors and does not represent a position of swissuniversities or of the participating higher education institutions.