Recalibrated responses needed to a global research landscape in flux.

Abstract

When engaging in international collaboration, researchers and research institutions have to relate to a great range of differences in legislation, scientific practices, incentive systems, and cultural norms. The research landscape has become even more complex in the last decade, and the gray zones at the intersections of a diverse set of institutional contexts may be used to push boundaries. The focus of earlier efforts seeking to harmonize views on scientific integrity in an international context was more limited. Moreover, the guiding research norms have been primarily shaped by a US-European science duopoly. The rise of China has, however, created a multipolar research landscape. As a response to recent geopolitical developments and changes in the global research landscape, guidelines are starting to emerge, especially in the West, that seek to guide research behaviors in a turbulent world. These guidelines collectively identify integral issues to consider, such as research integrity, academic freedom, export control, national security, data security, and intellectual property rights. The plethora of considerations required cause contradictory advice and the research community faces considerable challenges in implementing such guidelines. Therefore more work is needed to guide research relationships in an uncertain world.