Research and Innovation Series (RIS) – Part VII: Canada’s Approach to Research and Innovation Security
The Stockholm Center for Research and Innovation Security (SCRIS) at the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) is pleased to invite you to the next webinar in its Research and Innovation Series (RIS), focusing on Canada’s approach to research and innovation security.
Geopolitical competition now targets knowledge production, critical technologies, and academic collaboration, making the protection of research and innovation systems a key policy priority. Canada, home to leading universities and globally connected research institutions, has taken steps to address risks linked to foreign interference, technology transfer, and the protection of sensitive research.
Canada has introduced a range of measures, including research security guidelines, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships, its risk assessment form, investment screening mechanisms, and frameworks for trusted international collaboration, aimed at balancing openness and security. In addition, subnational research security considerations, play an important role in defining how these policies are implemented across Canada’s research ecosystem. These efforts reflect a challenge for democratic societies: how to remain internationally engaged while protecting national interests, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure.
This webinar will bring together experts and practitioners in a panel discussion format to examine Canada’s policy framework, key challenges, and lessons for Europe and partner countries. Among the speakers are Paul Jarret, Director, Research Security, Division of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation at the University of Toronto; and Hobivola A. Rabearivel, University Laval.
The discussion will be moderated by Niklas Swanström, ISDP’s Executive Director, and will explore key topics such as:
- Canada’s national approach to research security
- Risks in international research collaboration
- Foreign interference and technology transfer
- Policy tools: guidelines, screening mechanisms, and institutional safeguards
- Lessons for Europe and transatlantic cooperation
Organized by the Stockholm Center for Research and Innovation Security (SCRIS), this webinar series aims to promote dialogue and the exchange of ideas on research and innovation, while deepening understanding of the policies and factors that shape security developments. Scholars, practitioners, and experts from diverse fields are invited to join the conversation.
Speakers:
Paul Jarret
University of Toronto Division of the Vice-President of Research and Innovation
Paul Jarret leads the University of Toronto’s Research Security Team, providing research and geopolitical security advice to the university’s research community and partners. He is active in global and national community-building in research security. Before joining University of Toronto, Paul was a Senior Advisor to the Ontario Government at the Office of the Provincial Security Advisor and worked in Canada’s national security community for over a decade. Paul holds a BA/MA from Wilfrid Laurier University and an MA from the Australian National University.
Hobivola A. Rabearivelo
Research Security Coordinator, Office of the Vice-Rector for Research & Innovation at Université Laval
Hobivola A, Rebearivelo has served as Research Security Coordinator at Université Laval since August 2023. Previously, he was Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer in a company specializing in research and innovation in artificial intelligence for 5 years. Prior to that, he has had other experiences in different types of organizations, in governance and strategic planning, geopolitical analysis, and research. Hobivola holds a master’s degree in Geoeconomics and Strategic Intelligence, and in International Studies.
Find the recordings of previous webinars in the series here.