Research Security and International Cooperation Policies in Nordic Countries
A comprehensive report published in June 2026 examines how Denmark, Norway, and Sweden strike the delicate balance between international academic cooperation and national security.
Growing geopolitical tensions and global technological competition are forcing the research world to establish a balance between international engagement and strategic protection. A new study published in June 2026 highlights the institutional and strategic differences pursued by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in this process.
New Strategic Dilemmas in the World of Research
Increasing geopolitical tensions and intensified global technological competition are confronting the research world with a difficult dilemma in finding a balance between international participation and strategic protection.
Scope of the June 2026 Report
Authored by Tommy Shih, Stine Haakonsson, Kristin Fjæstad, and Hans Jørgen Gåsemyr, the report was published in the journal Science and Public Policy in June 2026.
This study maps and compares how Denmark, Norway, and Sweden cope with this new reality, emphasizing that their institutional strategies diverge significantly.
Denmark's Steps Towards Responsible Internationalization
Denmark has focused on protecting research from misuse through guidelines published by the Danish National Research Foundation in 2022 and screening measures at institutions such as Aarhus University.
In this process, where responsible internationalization is emphasized instead of less internationalization, experts draw attention to the importance of balancing security with openness.
Norway's Emphasis on Institutional Autonomy
In Norway, the Ministry of Education and Research mandated the development of national guidelines for responsible international knowledge cooperation, which were published in late 2023.
Norwegian institutions have prioritized institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and accountability while managing potential challenges arising from increased compliance and bureaucracy.
Sweden's Process of Strengthening Security Competence
Sweden responded relatively slowly in this area compared to its neighbors; however, checklists were published following a 2023 audit that drew attention to information security deficiencies in universities.
To strengthen security competence in higher education, government agencies finalized proposed guidelines for responsible internationalization in 2024.