Dowden will provide a briefing to university leaders on academic security.
During a speech at Chatham House, the deputy prime minister outlined the government’s strategy to balance trade and investment with economic security.
He also mentioned plans to brief university leaders on academic security in the upcoming weeks. This announcement was made during a speech hosted by the Chatham House think tank, where Oliver Dowden addressed the audience.
Highlighting the economic security risks faced by the UK, Mr. Dowden emphasized the need to avoid decoupling with despotic regimes while focusing on de-risking trades and investments. He stated that foreign investment in sensitive areas is not off-limits but must be managed to protect national security and promote growth.
Regarding the challenges posed by globalization and geopolitical competition, Mr. Dowden emphasized the importance of balancing freedoms, prosperity, and security for Britons.
Rejecting calls to detach from despotic regimes, the deputy prime minister advocated for openness in the global economy to maintain resilience. He stressed the continuous adaptation of rules to manage risks effectively.
In efforts to enhance understanding of security risks, Mr. Dowden announced initiatives by the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Protective Security Authority to support small tech businesses and university spinouts in improving their security measures.
Additionally, plans were revealed to convene a round-table discussion with university vice chancellors to review the findings of a government review on academic security.
Mr. Dowden applauded the openness and international collaborations in British universities but acknowledged the potential vulnerabilities associated with foreign funding and access to sensitive research disciplines.
The Cabinet Office also responded to the Business and Trade Committee’s feedback on the government’s new investment vetting regime established under The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021. The Cabinet affirmed the effectiveness of the system and committed to ongoing evaluation and flexibility.
Further consultations and guidance updates related to the NSI Act, including its application to academia, are expected to be released in the upcoming weeks.
Mr. Dowden expressed the government’s intent to update mandatory area definitions, introduce legislative exemptions, and collaborate with other countries and businesses to mitigate risks associated with outbound investments.
