Danish research and innovation is under pressure from the significant and ongoing interest that foreign, non-like-minded states show in Danish knowledge, technology and know-how. These developments place new, high demands on universities' ability to handle security challenges of great importance to national security.

- In Denmark, we must exploit the full potential of our knowledge and innovation, but at the same time we need to consider security to a much greater extent – and preferably from the very beginning, says Anders Henriksen, Head of Counterintelligence, Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET).

Increased awareness and dialogue

In dialogue with AAU and the other universities, PET has identified a need for a targeted effort towards academic staff to initiate a dialogue about the knowledge environments' responsibility, security awareness and opportunities for action.

The purpose of the campaign is to increase the target group's awareness of the espionage threat and the threat from other illegal or unwanted knowledge transfer, as well as to raise awareness of the dilemmas researchers experience due to their key role in preventing this threat.

- At PET, we are very aware that a number of Danish research institutions and companies face a major task and are central to ensuring Denmark's security. The institutions themselves must ultimately weigh the need for security against other considerations, such as freedom of research or financial considerations. PET is of course happy to assist with advice if necessary, says Karen Lund Petersen, Head of PET's Centre for Innovation and Knowledge Security.

The primary target group for the campaign is researchers at Danish universities working in technology areas such as energy, biotech, quantum, space, robotics and defence.

The campaign will be presented at the country's universities, with posters in the urban space and on a new part of PET's website  www.pet.dk/sikkerforskning.

What is PET doing?

In recent years, PET has increased its efforts in this area including establishing the Centre for Innovation and Knowledge Security, tasked with protecting Denmark's interests and national security by increasing resilience against espionage and other unwanted knowledge transfer in Danish research institutions and companies.

- At PET, we are experiencing a significant increase in the need for advice when Danish research institutions and research-intensive companies have to navigate the new security policy reality. We advise research institutions on a daily basis on the threat from countries like Russia and China, says Karen Lund Petersen.

This text is based on a press release from the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET). Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs.