The nation should prioritize research security

• India’s development objectives by 2047 aim to emphasize science and technology’s role in strategic sectors.

• The government is building an innovation ecosystem to harness the transformative power of these technologies.

• Research security refers to safeguarding scientific research from threats to confidentiality, economic value, or national interest.

• India is investing in strategic technologies including space, defence, semiconductors, nuclear technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology.

• Any breach of security could compromise national interests, delay technological advancements, and expose sensitive data to foreign exploitation.

• Policymakers must focus on strengthening research security as part of India’s broader science and technology strategy.

• The concept of research security has received little attention in academic circles and government policymaking.

• A research security framework providing research security guidelines could be developed.

• Challenges include balancing research security with open science and the additional administrative and regulatory burden.