Responsible International Knowledge Cooperation

Responsible cooperation involves systematically assessing potential risks in international collaborations, balancing value-related and security challenges with collaboration opportunities. All academic, administrative staff, and leaders involved in international partnerships at UiB are encouraged to remain aware of potential risks in specific situations and to help ensure that cooperation is carried out responsibly. Risk assessments should be conducted before, during, and after collaborations, and are particularly important in larger research and educational projects.

Collaboration with institutions in certain countries entails specific risks. This is especially true for partnerships with institutions in countries that differ significantly from Norway in terms of governance, culture, higher education, and research systems, among other factors. Geopolitical circumstances and tensions may also increase risks associated with collaborating with certain countries. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the collaborating partners, including a clear and mutual understanding of the collaboration’s purpose. Such awareness can help reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.

Examples of potential risks in international cooperation include attempts at political influence and restrictions on institutional autonomy and academic freedom, illegal acquisition of sensitive or strategically important knowledge (including knowledge that could be used for military purposes), and breaches of established ethical principles in education and research.

HK-dir (Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills) has dedicated web pages with guidelines and tools for responsible international knowledge cooperation.

At the University of Bergen (UiB), responsible international cooperation is a priority. When concerns arise regarding international issues, whether in hiring, inviting guest researchers, or collaborating with foreign partners, both systematic and individual approaches are essential. The primary focus should be on institutional processes to manage risks, though some situations may also require individual measures, such as applying for export control licenses or conducting vulnerability assessments.

Systematic Measures

HK-dir (Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills) provides clear guidelines for responsible international knowledge cooperation. These emphasize the importance of conducting systematic risk and vulnerability assessments at the institutional level. These assessments focus on overarching processes rather than individuals, aiming to identify and mitigate risks in international partnerships. Measures like access regulation and employee training are vital.

HK-dir recommends including vulnerability assessments in risk evaluations, particularly for export-controlled research areas like dual-use technology. In fall 2024, UiB will conduct a comprehensive value assessment to strengthen risk management and protect critical information assets in compliance with the Security Act.

Individual Measures

While systematic measures are essential, certain situations call for individual approaches:

• Export License Applications: When research projects involve export-controlled technology or knowledge, applying for export licenses is necessary. This requires an individual assessment of the project’s content and parties involved.

• Vulnerability Discussions: These meetings with staff or guest researchers identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited externally. They raise awareness on security issues and allow for tailored guidance, conducted respectfully to avoid unnecessary concern or stigmatization.

These individual measures complement systematic ones, offering a holistic approach to security while upholding high academic standards.

Recommendations

Systematic Measures:

• Train and raise awareness among all employees about security practices and risks.
• Implement differentiated access to sensitive information based on risk assessments.
• Establish processes for risk management, adherence to laws and regulations, and annual review of value assessments and export license applications.

Individual Measures:

• Conduct vulnerability discussions with staff as needed.
• Obtain necessary export licenses for relevant projects and technologies.
• Provide individual guidance and support to staff handling sensitive information or technology.

This holistic approach ensures effective risk management aligned with HK-dir guidelines, safeguarding privacy and avoiding undue focus on individuals.

This section provides information on export control, how to adhere to regulations, and where to seek guidance. Export control restricts the export of specific goods, technology, services, and knowledge from Norway without a license issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD). In the higher education sector, export control primarily involves managing knowledge transfer and research collaboration, including tracking license-required equipment, technology, and awareness around student exchanges, hiring, and guest researchers.

What is Export Control?

Export control requires prior authorization (license) for sharing knowledge about specific technologies and equipment that can serve both civilian and military purposes. The regulations aim to prevent the spread of weapons, military equipment, and dual-use items (products with both civilian and military applications). Norwegian export control is governed by a combination of national laws, regulations, and international agreements.

This section also explains why and how UiB ensures that such technology, equipment, and knowledge are safeguarded and not misused in violation of Norway's export control regulations. Additionally, it provides guidance on how to apply for an export license when necessary.

While internationalization and open research are emphasized, export control regulations may restrict researchers’ ability to share knowledge with individuals in or from other countries. Sharing knowledge about specific technology may, in extreme cases, be illegal and punishable.

The most sensitive academic fields for our sector include:

• Biology, including biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry, including chemical process technology
• Physics, including nuclear physics
• Aviation and aerospace technology
• Mechanical engineering
• Material technology
• Cybernetics
• Medicine/veterinary science
• Mathematics

UiB employees should also be aware that export control regulations may apply to research collaboration and the sharing of information and research results with foreign institutions, as well as the broader dissemination of such information and the participation or hosting of courses and conferences

Institutional Guidelines for Export Control at UiB

UiB has implemented guidelines providing a general framework for managing export control.

Procedure for Export License Applications in Hiring ProcessesA critical aspect of export control is ensuring necessary licenses are secured before hiring individuals working with export-controlled technology or information. Therefore, UiB has established a procedure outlining the application process, adaptable to local circumstances, including delegated responsibilities and roles.

Difference between UD/DEKSA and UDI

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) handles applications for foreigners who wish to visit or live in Norway. Work and residence permits issued by UDI are governed by separate legislation and fall outside the scope of export control regulations.

The export control regulations are overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) and, starting January 1, 2025, will be monitored by the Directorate for Export Control and Sanctions (DEKSA). Consequently, a foreign individual may receive a work permit via UiB but still be denied the e-license or prior approval required by UD for specific work activities.

When to Consider Export Control

Licensing needs should be assessed in cases of:

• Hiring employees
• Student admissions
• Hosting guest researchers
• Changes or updates to projects, staff, students, or visitors already subject to export control

Currently, licensing is not required outside these areas. To determine if export control licensing applies, department heads must maintain an updated list of sensitive research areas, collaborations, interdisciplinary activities, and labs or equipment where export control may be relevant.

Special Considerations for Student Admissions

Export control also applies to certain master’s level admissions (not bachelor’s), impacting the assessment of applications to UiB. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs can provide guidance on export control for students whose studies may intersect with these regulations. UiB may need to seek an export license for specific students in some cases.

Relevant Study Programs

Export control primarily affects master’s programs in the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Medicine. UiB will aim to assign master’s thesis topics that comply with export control laws, redirecting students to other programs if needed.

Are There Countries to Pay Special Attention To?

There is no official list of countries requiring special attention, and regulations assume that any foreign national may need a license from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, Norway has sanctions against certain countries, and others are deemed risky by national security authorities, though not officially sanctioned. The list of relevant countries can shift with the geopolitical climate. Examples of sanctioned countries include Russia, Iran, and North Korea, while other high-risk countries might include China and Pakistan. Updated threat assessments are provided by the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST).

Control Lists

The control lists, List I and List II, play a crucial role in determining the applicability of export control regulations and in any potential licensing process. These lists detail various types of goods and technologies, including advanced electronics, software, telecommunications equipment, biotechnological materials, chemicals, and military or dual-use items (those usable for both civilian and military purposes). Integrated into national and international export control regimes, these lists form the basis for legislation and policy, ensuring that exports of sensitive items comply with legal standards and international agreements.

Difference Between Export Control and International Sanctions

Sanctions target specific countries to influence their actions, typically covering broader areas than export control regulations. For universities, sanctions against Russia and Iran are particularly relevant and, like export control, include control lists.

What is E-License?

The E-License is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' online export control portal for submitting applications, reports, and export control-related inquiries. An approved license authorizes exports of goods, services, technology, and knowledge from Norway to countries under sanctions or with specific security concerns.

For more, see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs export control pages and PST's threat assessments.