Protecting Critical Knowledge in an Era of Hybrid Warfare

In an era defined by hybrid warfare and global competition, protecting critical knowledge and intellectual property (IP) has become essential to national security, economic resilience, and societal stability. From government organisations to industry, and start-ups, every player in the innovation ecosystem faces unique vulnerabilities. Tackling these risks requires regulation, awareness, and international collaboration—but most importantly, a shift in culture.

In this article authored by our Director Nina van Lanschot and published in Atlantisch Perspectief, Nina explores:

• Motivations behind IP theft and their real-world impacts.
• The risks to academia, start-ups, and industries.
• Practical steps for fostering a shared security culture.

The Escalating Threat of IP Theft

As Nina van Lanschot outlines in her article, data theft has become a central strategy in hybrid warfare, posing direct threats to national security, societal resilience, and economic competitiveness. Nation-states employ methods like espionage and insider access to steal critical knowledge, undermining rival economies, gaining leverage over critical infrastructure, influencing cultural narratives, and securing technological and military advantages. These activities often target academic institutions, government bodies, and private enterprises, making comprehensive protective measures essential.

Recent years have shown how vulnerable critical infrastructure can be. Sabotage through cyberattacks or IP theft not only disrupts essential services but can also have cascading effects on economies and societies. Financial institutions, for example, are high-value targets due to their critical role in economic stability and their vast repositories of sensitive data. Threat actors exploit these vulnerabilities to destabilise operations, steal valuable data, and undermine public trust.

Understanding IP Theft in Academia and Start-ups

Understanding adversaries' motivations - whether economic disruption, bypassing sanctions, or undermining critical infrastructure - helps organisations develop effective measures. For instance, state-sponsored actors frequently target dual-use technologies - those with both civilian and military applications - to accelerate their development without ethical constraints or significant investment. These innovations, spanning fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced semiconductors, are vital for national competitiveness and security. However, their dual-purpose nature makes them attractive targets for state-sponsored theft. Start-ups, often working with these technologies as they are bridging the gap between academia and industry, are at significant risk due to limited resources and awareness. Strengthening safeguards at the earliest stages of technological development is critical to maintaining European innovation and competitiveness. 

The article also sheds light on the challenges faced by academic institutions, which are particularly vulnerable to IP theft. Open Science initiatives, which are promoting collaboration and transparency, can inadvertently expose sensitive research to foreign actors. This issue underscores the importance of balanced security policies that protect critical knowledge without stifling academic freedom.

Moving Forward: Regulation, Awareness, and Collaboration

To counter these threats, a comprehensive approach is vital:

• Strengthened Regulation: Frameworks like the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and NIS II Directive ensure organisations are held accountable for improving their cybersecurity defences. These regulations help financial institutions and critical infrastructure organisations mitigate risks while enhancing operational resilience.
• Increased Awareness: Building a culture of security across organisations ensures employees at all levels are alert to emerging threats. Tailored training programmes and clear reporting mechanisms empower teams to act as the first line of defense.
• Global Collaboration: Effective partnerships between governments, private enterprises, and international institutions are key to detecting and mitigating threats early. Shared intelligence and coordinated responses can make all the difference in reducing vulnerabilities.

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Nina’s article in Atlantisch Perspectief provides an in-depth analysis of these issues, offering actionable insights for safeguarding critical systems and protecting intellectual property. We encourage you to read the full article here and join us in fostering a secure and resilient environment for innovation and collaboration.