Norway Navigates Open Research vs. Security Balance

As Norway's Minister of Research and Higher Education, I must emphasize that while open and international research is vital for our nation's interests, it must be conducted with robust security measures. The current discussion around a proposed personnel security guideline highlights a critical challenge: how to maintain our commitment to openness without compromising safety in an increasingly dangerous world.

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The research is open and international in nature. When the world becomes more dangerous, it creates a demanding, but possible, balancing act.

I concur with Professor Hans Petter Graver's concerns regarding the "total defense thinking" potentially encroaching on academic freedom. It is precisely this delicate balance that the government seeks to achieve – ensuring that Norwegian research remains as open as possible, yet as protected as necessary. This is not a contradiction, but a prerequisite for the very freedom that allows our research to flourish.

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I completely agree with Graver that we must be aware of the balance between security and openness. At the same time, sufficient security is a prerequisite for free and open research.

The guideline, developed by the Directorate for Higher Education and Competence (HK-dir), is intended as a supportive tool for universities and colleges that have requested guidance. We must avoid inconsistent practices across institutions or overly stringent measures that could lead to discrimination. The public hearing process is crucial for gathering diverse perspectives, and I urge all stakeholders to provide their input. Ultimately, the responsibility for navigating this complex landscape lies with our universities, colleges, and research institutes.

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The government's goal is that Norwegian research should be as open as possible and as protected as necessary.