The government has announced a National Action Plan to secure its academic and research sectors, with full implementation expected by 2026. The plan aims to protect research while ensuring continued international cooperation. In response to questions regarding China, Minister Bernini and Undersecretary Mantovano emphasised that it is not aimed at any specific country
A framework for research security. The Italian government announced today that it will be creating a National Action Plan to enhance the security of its academic and research sectors.
- The plan will be officially presented in December, in alignment with the G7 Meeting on Research Security in Bari.
- The ultimate goal is to implement this operational framework in all universities and research organisations by 2026, following a trial phase in 2025.
- This aligns with the recommendations issued by the EU Competitiveness Council last May, which stressed the “urgent need to raise awareness and build resilience among researchers and academics across Europe.”
A comprehensive and balanced model. Italy is developing an innovative mechanism designed to be effective while causing minimal disruption to the daily operations of research institutions.
- The framework will include national guidelines, targeted training modules, educational resources, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to different scenarios.
- This approach will feature a self-assessment traffic light system: a green light indicates progress is safe, a yellow light calls for caution and further review, and a red light necessitates a thorough risk evaluation with the assistance of a dedicated national reference centre.
- In the lead-up to the implementation of the National Action Plan, the Ministry of Universities and Research has already taken several steps to engage with the academic and research communities.
- A questionnaire for researchers has been distributed, and two workshops on the topic of research security have been organised.
- Furthermore, the Ministry has been included in the CISR (Interministerial Committee for the Security of the Republic) to strengthen intelligence-sharing capabilities.
- In July, the Ministry also convened the first-ever national roundtable on research security, marking a significant step in addressing the growing concerns around foreign interference in Italy’s research sectors.
Evolving threats. Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, who oversees intelligence matters, highlighted that the issue of foreign interference has long been a priority for Italian intelligence services.
- He noted that for years, they have observed “increasingly sophisticated strategies” targeting Italy, a country particularly exposed due to its strong output of innovation.
- He identified biomedicine, robotics, and semiconductors as sectors facing the highest level of risk.
The China question. Without explicitly naming any specific countries, Mantovano’s comments come at a sensitive time in Italy’s relationship with China.
- Today, President Sergio Mattarella arrived in Beijing for a state visit, the first since Italy’s decision not to renew its Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative.
- When asked about potential adversarial actors, Mantovano responded, “There is no list of unsafe countries; we maintain vigilance across the board.”
- Minister for Universities and Research Anna Maria Bernini reinforced a neutral stance, stating, “This plan is not against any country; it is a protective measure for our research.”
- She stressed that there are no inherently good or bad countries, only practices that can be either good or bad.
- Bernini highlighted Italy’s continued collaboration with China, citing a recent memorandum between her Ministry and its Chinese counterpart focused on artificial intelligence and cultural heritage as evidence of positive engagement.
