Responsible internationalisation

What is responsible internationalisation?

Responsible internationalisation means that international collaborations in research and innovation are carried out in a way that balances openness with risk awareness. It is about creating value through global collaboration, while taking into account safety, legislation and ethical principles.

The work includes, among other things, safeguarding academic freedom and research integrity, ensuring the protection of knowledge and technology, and contributing to sustainable development and long-term international relations. In this, it is important to base our work on a holistic assessment that takes into account both internal conditions and external factors, such as legislation, partners and how collaborations are designed.

Responsible internationalisation is about making thoughtful assessments before and during international collaborations, as well as evaluating collaborations after they have ended to ensure continuous learning.

What can responsible internationalisation lead to – and why is Vinnova investing in it?

International collaborations are a prerequisite for solving complex societal challenges and developing competitive innovations. Through responsible internationalisation, Sweden can:

• gain access to new knowledge, technology and markets
• strengthen quality in research and innovation
• contribute to sustainable development globally
• build long-term relationships and partnerships

At the same time, the world around us is changing. Geopolitical tensions, increased competition for technology and knowledge, and new security requirements mean that internationalisation needs to be done more consciously.

Vinnova works in a government assignment, together with other authorities, with responsible internationalisation to enable and ensure that international cooperation in research and innovation is both open, secure and sustainable – and strengthens Sweden's and the EU's innovation system in the long term.

What do we do in responsible internationalisation?

Vinnova works together with other actors to develop and strengthen the work on responsible internationalisation in the innovation system as well as within the authority.

We:

• contributes to the development of national guidelines for responsible internationalisation aimed at higher education institutions and authorities
• develops guiding national guidelines for the rest of the innovation ecosystem
• integrates the perspective into its own international initiatives and collaborations by developing operationally adapted guidelines and working methods for Vinnova's own activities
• promotes the use of the national guidelines through various types of information initiatives
• promotes the exchange of experience between authorities, universities, small businesses and others actors
• monitors what is happening in the area in other countries, both within and outside the EU
• participates in the European Commission's work on research safety