NWO and KNAW institutes call for continued focus on academic values in knowledge security policy

The Dutch knowledge sector has widely implemented the National Knowledge Security Guidelines: progress is being made on almost every theme covered by the Guidelines, and knowledge security policy at knowledge institutes continues to evolve, according to the recently published Knowledge Security Sector Overview 2026 (Dutch only). The research institutes of the KNAW and NWO recognise this picture and agree with the recommendations set out in the report, as they state in their official response. 

Under the motto ‘open where possible, closed where necessary’, the research institutes have implemented the National Guidelines across the board and are making significant progress in further developing the policy on knowledge security. However, the research institutes do identify a number of tensions and challenges in this regard. First and foremost, the organisations emphasise the importance of an open academic culture for world-class science. With regard to national policy on knowledge security, the institutes therefore call for continued attention to be paid to safeguarding academic freedom, open science and the creation of a socially safe and inclusive environment.

Furthermore, the sector overview shows that screening, a focus on high-risk countries and case-by-case assessments by a workplace safety advisory team are sometimes perceived as general guidelines, resulting in discrimination and/or stigmatisation. Both organisations call for the further development of the national approach to focus on actively combating discrimination. 

‘The importance of reliable and accessible information’

In addition, the organisations note that the knowledge sector has a great need for reliable and accessible information on the basis of which internal risk analyses and assessments in the field of knowledge security can be carried out. The KNAW and NWO are therefore calling for urgent action to be taken to develop practical Dutch and/or European guidelines to help knowledge institutions comply with relevant legislation (such as sanctions and export control legislation) and carry out internal risk analyses. The KNAW and NWO regard the further development of the Knowledge Security Helpdesk as an important step in this regard. 

‘A level playing field across Europe’

In their administrative response to the sector overview, the organisations also draw attention to the importance of a level playing field across Europe with regard to knowledge security. Differing perspectives on the approach to knowledge security in European countries with which the Netherlands cooperates extensively hinder or limit collaboration between researchers across Europe. Furthermore, pre-empting a European approach increases the risk that talented researchers will avoid the Netherlands. This has adverse consequences for the Netherlands’ international competitive position. 

‘Relief at the pause in the knowledge security screening process’

Finally, the organisations call for continued attention to be paid to the proportionality, feasibility and impact of national measures. The KNAW and NWO are therefore relieved that Minister Letschert  of Education, Culture and Science, whilst publishing the 2026 sector overview on knowledge security, has announced a pause in the ‘screening bill’, which is aimed at screening researchers who wish to work in the Netherlands and thereby gain access to sensitive technology. It is expected that more details regarding a more limited screening process will be announced in the spring. 

‘National approach to knowledge security is effective’

Overall, both organisations regard the national approach to knowledge security as highly effective. The national policy is shaped on the basis of the Minister’s trust in the knowledge sector, dialogue between the knowledge institutions and the Ministry, self-regulation and support provided through the Knowledge Security Helpdesk. According to the organisations, this approach has strengthened the policy on knowledge security within the Dutch knowledge sector. The KNAW and NWO therefore have confidence that the dialogue will continue and that the national approach will be further developed, whilst allowing scope for shared concerns.