In this episode, Ricardo Migueis speaks with Matthias Björnmalm, Secretary General of CESAR, about the shifting role of European universities in a time when science, sovereignty, and security are increasingly intertwined. Matthias reflects on his international journey through different research environments and how those experiences have shaped his views on collaboration, responsibility, and the broader role of science in society.

The conversation dives into CESAR’s work supporting European universities of science and technology, its diverse membership, and the careful balance between openness and research security. Matthias explains how dual-use technologies, defense research, and governance structures require thoughtful, interdisciplinary approaches rooted in strong ethical foundations.

Ricardo and Matthias explore the tension between academic autonomy and institutional compliance, the influence of European funding frameworks, and the risk of overly directive policies that could undermine innovation. They also discuss the importance of foresight in preparing for future skills needs and the responsibilities universities carry when it comes to societal impact and global engagement.

Throughout the episode, Matthias makes the case for universities especially technical ones to act as reflective, engaged institutions that not only generate knowledge but help steer societal progress across local, national, and European levels.

Takeaways

• European universities must navigate the growing intersection between science, security, and sovereignty while preserving academic integrity.
• Governance models in universities must balance institutional autonomy with compliance and societal accountability, particularly in sensitive domains.
• Ethical engagement in research, especially in defense and dual use technologies, requires interdisciplinary input and reflective institutional mechanisms.
• Top down policy frameworks risk limiting innovation and undermining the capacity for critical scientific exploration.
• Universities should actively shape policy discourse, particularly in strategic areas such as research security, knowledge protection, and societal resilience.
• Open engagement with global partners must be balanced against emerging constraints in knowledge security and geopolitical shifts.
• The concept of “autonomy traps” illustrates the risks of assigning universities responsibilities beyond their core missions without adequate support or authority.
• Strategic coherence across European funding instruments remains essential; policy structures should prioritise functional synergies over administrative consolidation.
• Technical universities have a pivotal role in foresight processes, particularly in anticipating future skills needs and guiding societal transitions.
• CESAR positions itself as a solution oriented, peer driven network that aims to elevate European science and technology in service of the public good.
• Research integrity frameworks must evolve to address contemporary challenges, supporting informed and contextual decision making at all institutional levels.
• Cultural change within funding institutions and governance structures is necessary to enable effective and resilient synergies.
• Universities are not isolated entities but are embedded in societal systems. They must engage meaningfully with their communities to retain legitimacy and relevance.
• Maintaining openness in higher education and research requires thoughtful mechanisms that do not compromise institutional trust or mission.
• Europe’s strategic autonomy in science and technology must be grounded in collaborative foresight, broad engagement, and support for bottom up innovation.

The 2025 INESC Brussels HUB Summer Meeting, titled "Strategic Autonomy & Dual-Use R&I: Coherence, Capabilities & Europe’s Future.

Access the full programme and registration details here