ROME – Italy is taking steps to protect its universities and research from foreign influence, with a plan aimed at preventing the extraction of valuable scientific and technological knowledge by external actors, Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano announced. While the Italian government has previously used “golden powers” to block unwanted foreign takeovers, particularly focusing on Chinese investments in strategic industries, these powers do not extend to academia and research institutions.
Mantovano highlighted that certain fields such as biomedicine, robotics, and semiconductors are particularly at risk, with foreign actors employing advanced methods to access critical knowledge through sponsorships and donations. Although details were limited, University and Research Minister Anna Maria Bernini emphasized that the initiative was not targeted at specific countries, noting, “There are no good or bad countries but good or bad practices.”
The government’s plan may be finalized by the end of the year and could include a national center at the Ministry for University and Research to monitor potential threats.