Recent events have highlighted the geopolitical importance of technology and infrastructure, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent instability prompting Flanders to modernise its security policy.
While relationships with some countries have become increasingly fraught, the global economy has put technology at the forefront of development. The region will therefore create a new plan to safeguard its systems so that international cooperation can continue, but in a "responsible and prudent way."
"Flanders is an open, innovative economy driven by international cooperation and exchange. At the same time, the geostrategic context in which we find ourselves today demonstrates time and again that we cannot be naive," said Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon.
"In this constant balancing act between international cooperation and protecting our strategic interests, there must also be a focus on knowledge security."
Secure framework
The region has created a Knowledge Security Working Group — a collaboration between the competent administrations, knowledge institutions and representatives of the business community — which will implement a comprehensive policy in several steps.
Invested parties will create an overarching framework based on requirements set by a Flemish knowledge safety desk. This will oversee awareness-raising campaigns, cooperation and knowledge-sharing and monitoring with other authorities.
The plan will also focus on mapping possible risks for knowledge security in Flanders. Developments in this area are more generally monitored by the European Commission and European Member States.
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"Good agreements make good friends. The global economy and free trade have brought enormous prosperity, but have also opened the doors to players with less good intentions," said Flemish Minister of Science and Innovation, Jo Brouns.
"To guarantee trust and safeguard knowledge sharing across national borders, we need a strong framework within which this can happen. This allows us to be as open as possible whilst also being as closed as necessary," Brouns concluded.
