In a world marked by rising geopolitical tension and strategic competition, higher education institutions are faced with new and increasingly complex trade-offs in relation to international collaborations and recruitment. Openness in research is fundamental – but it also requires an awareness of risks when state interests, security policy, and academic freedom collide.
Against this backdrop, several studies in recent years have analysed how authoritarian states seek to influence international research. A widely noted Swedish report published last autumn has in particular highlighted relations between Sweden and China: “Research with Reservations? Authoritarian Influence in Swedish–Chinese Research Relations”, produced by the Swedish Institute of International Affairs and Mälardalen University. It shows that the Chinese state seeks to influence researchers and their work in various ways – from subtle incentives to more direct methods – despite claims that academic freedom prevails. The methods range from repression to co-option, whereby financial and other benefits are offered to researchers who are considered to serve China’s interests.
This is serious, even if it is unlikely to come as a surprise to anyone. Increasing geopolitical unease and polarisation also risk driving developments in the wrong direction. Those most affected are, of course, researchers whose field of study is China itself: if one works on topics perceived as sensitive, one may be denied a visa; lectures or seminars in Sweden may be monitored; and in isolated cases, researchers or their relatives have been detained for prolonged interrogations while in China.
For those working in fields other than China studies, but who in various ways collaborate with Chinese institutions or researchers, the picture often looks different. Here, offers of various forms of perks or financial compensation can sometimes be so unreasonably generous that it becomes problematic in itself.
At the same time, many projects function very well. China is a leading research nation, and collaborations are of great importance for global knowledge development.
Swedish researchers have at times perceived universities’ increased security focus as politicisation, but the report and the subsequent debate – including on the editorial pages of Expressen – show that the risks are real.
The newspaper pointed to an investigation by Dagens Nyheter which in 2023 revealed that individuals from Chinese universities with military links had previously been active in Sweden without this being noticed. Chalmers was interviewed and noted that, at the time, we lacked both clear guidelines and state support, which made it difficult to act.
We must make informed decisions that strengthen both academic freedom and societal responsibility
Last autumn, Expressen summarised this as “Chalmers shrugged its shoulders”. I naturally do not share that portrayal, but I can also add that much has changed since early 2023.
Chalmers has now taken decisions on updated working methods, on procedures for case preparation, on areas of responsibility, and on establishing a dedicated council for responsible internationalisation.
We have also previously strengthened our security function with analytical expertise for risk assessment and impact analysis.
The approach is to provide support to researchers and managers in complex cases, and to make it possible to weigh risks against benefits in a transparent way. Our starting point is clear: we must not discriminate or act on prejudice, but instead make informed decisions that strengthen both academic freedom and societal responsibility.
Researchers at Chalmers recognise that the international situation is challenging. Therefore, it is important that we provide support and clear processes.
We share the view held by several other Swedish higher education institutions: collaboration with China should continue – but consciously and systematically. By combining risk analysis with strategic monitoring of developments in the world around us, we can create security while also making the most of the significant opportunities that international cooperation offers. It is a balancing act, but a necessary one in a time of change.
Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology
Under the headline "President’s perspective" the President and CEO for Chalmers University of Technology, shares his reflections on current topics that concern education, research and utilisation.