The Promise of a New Research Security Strategy

Strategic Importance of Research Security

The UK's new National Security Strategy positions research security alongside economic security and national resilience and promises a new research security strategy. It recognises the UK's research and innovation assets as critical to maintaining a competitive and secure position globally. The government commits to "identify, nurture, and protect" areas of strength in the UK’s industrial, scientific, and technological base. This commitment aims to improve the nation’s "knowledge and research base". It promises to shape the agenda for AI and other frontier technologies, including dual-use and emerging technologies. Key points for research security professionals to note are:

Pillars Supporting a New Strategy

• The strategy envisions a coordinated and systematic approach. This approach will unite universities, research institutes, and industry to counter threats such as cyber-attacks, intellectual property theft, and hostile foreign influence.

• It signals plans to expand national capacity, including data, research, investment, and regulation.

• The government promises to foster new partnerships across government, academia, and the private sector. This collaboration aims to build a national culture of research security.

  
  

Toward a Formal Research Security Strategy

• Collaborative work with sector bodies to begin mapping the ecosystem started last year. The NSS is the first public commitment to a formal research security strategy.

• The new strategy is expected to focus on:

- Further development of the Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT).

- Protecting UK research from foreign interference.

- Building sector-wide resilience to cyber and intellectual property theft.

- Expansion of the UK's international capacity-building programme.

- Proportionate interventions that support knowledge exchange and growth.

The Role of Universities and Research Institutions

Universities and research institutions will play a vital role in the implementation of the new research security strategy. They are at the forefront of innovation and knowledge creation. By aligning their efforts with the NSS, these institutions can enhance their own resilience.

Building a Culture of Security

To foster a culture of security, universities must prioritise awareness and training. This includes educating staff and students about the importance of research security and the relevance to research activity. Workshops and seminars can be effective in disseminating knowledge and best practices, building understanding and capacity to protect research.

Collaboration with Government

Collaboration between government bodies and universities and research organisations is essential. By working together, there is an opportunity to share resources and information. This partnership can strengthen the overall research security landscape.

Outlook

While the NSS sets out these objectives and priorities, the strategy is not expected until late this year. This delay creates scope for alignment with related national security and industrial policies. It will likely clarify roles, responsibilities, and resources for protecting the UK’s research base in an increasingly competitive global environment.

"Further development of the RCAT will be underpinned by the publication of the UK’s first Research Security Strategy. This strategy will set out the government’s domestic and international policy on research security. We will also be expanding our international capacity-building programme on research security, utilising the UK’s experience and expertise to support our allies across the globe in developing secure and resilient domestic R&D systems."

Conclusion

In summary, the NSS highlights the importance of research security in safeguarding the UK's interests. The commitment to a formal research security strategy marks a significant step forward. By fostering collaboration and building a culture of security, we can ensure that our research institutions remain resilient and competitive on the global stage.

Many across the sector will welcome the opportunity for a more strategic, streamlined and connected approach in this complex area.