Journal article
Economic Security and Higher Education: The Rise of Research Securitisation
Utrecht Law Review, Vol.22(1), pp.28-46
19/05/2026
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Abstract
In the last two decades, universities have undertaken a drastic re-engagement with their agendas of conducting of research in the national interest. Yet the historical independence of universities has been modified by geopolitics, with these institutions collaborating more frequently with arms of government (such as the military, intelligence agencies or law enforcement) on their research endeavours. Further, the commonality of research partnerships with overseas individuals and entities – crucial to the development of diversity in opinions and views – is being challenged in the face of subordination, manipulation or interference by malicious actors. In response, one of the principal features of the European Commission's package on economic security was embedding 'research security' – the practice of protecting university-led research from interference, co-option or diversion by foreign powers for reasons of national interest. Whilst the link between economic security and national security is maturing and becoming clearer, the precise forms and mechanisms by which economic security is advanced by research security remains simultaneously contested and poorly explored. One recent trend in research security protections has been the emergence of, or uptick in, the use of economic sanctions and controls to limit engagements or partnerships between universities and foreign entities. For that reason, this paper will focus on examining two specific examples of economic sanctions frameworks through the research security lens: the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern of Canada, and the National Security and Investment Act 2021 of the United Kingdom. The paper will argue for the proper place of such economic controls typified in both regimes, as well as exploring the general utility and drawbacks associated with the use of economic sanctions and controls in the institution of research security. It will also develop several key suggestions that could be adopted by the Member States of the European Union as they begin to comply with the new requirements.
Details
- Title
- Economic Security and Higher Education: The Rise of Research Securitisation
- Creators
- Brendan Walker-Munro Dr - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Utrecht Law Review, Vol.22(1), pp.28-46
- Publisher
- Utrecht University School of Law
- Identifiers
- 991013377952002368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article