Interference by Non-EU Member Countries on Austrian Higher Education Institutions, Research Organisations and Funding Agencies (Foreign Interference)

The dynamically developing international integration in science and research entails not only great opportunities but also substantial risks for Austria. Results from research and innovation are developing into strategically important assets that require appropriate protection in the sense of comprehensive national defence. In this context, the exertion of influence by non-EU member countries on Austrian higher education institutions, research organisations and funding agencies deserves special attention. Against the background of recent initiatives of the European Commission and the experiences of other EU member countries in the field of foreign interference, recommendations for effective countermeasures will be developed based on an inventory of existing experiences and relevant initiatives in Austria.