Science & Innovation Security

The Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) aims to address critical issues surrounding science and innovation security in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and the malign challenges posed by, among others, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Iran and Russia.

Recognizing the intricate relationship between technological advancement and national security, ISDP focuses on the securitization of innovation, critical technology, intellectual property protection, and technology transfer, specifically emphasizing the vulnerabilities associated with collaborative research efforts between democratic nations and, especially, PRC. Considering this issue, ISDP will conduct comprehensive studies on knowledge transfer methods, assess critical technology vulnerabilities, and explore the implications of academic collaborations that may inadvertently facilitate the commercialization or weaponization of research. By fostering international cooperation, not least transatlantic, engaging diverse stakeholders, and hosting strategic initiatives such as conferences, workshops, and training programs, ISDP seeks to enhance awareness and understanding of these issues, ultimately fortifying defenses against potential exploitation of valuable information and ensuring the integrity of scientific endeavors.

Through these efforts, ISDP aims to create a sustainable foundation for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the US and EU, and likeminded nations, particularly in the Nordic and Baltic regions, increasingly becoming focal points for technological development and potential threats from malign actors.