Dutch knowledge institutions and the National Contact Point for Knowledge Security have developed several resources that are available in English. These can be used to gain further understanding of the Dutch approach to knowledge security.
Would you like to request the source files or do you have any other questions? Contact the National Contact Point via e-mail at netwerk@loketkennisveiligheid.nl.
More information about knowledge safety in the Netherlands can be found on our English website.
Development of knowledge security policies in the Netherlands
Around this time reports came from intelligence services about increased threats, followed by reports in the media.
Annual report AIVD (General Intelligence and Security Service) 2019
Annual report AIVD (General Intelligence and Security Service) 2020
News article: AIVD exposes espionage network in the Netherlands
It is of great importance to achieve a structural increase in security awareness and in resilience against knowledge security risks faced by Dutch universities, research institutes and universities of applied sciences. Self-regulation plays a central role in the approach to knowledge security, proceeding from the institutional autonomy of the knowledge institutions. This means that, within the existing legal frameworks, the knowledge sector monitors safety risks itself, formulate its own approach and develop its own instruments, thereby actively investing in the resilience of knowledge institutions.
The Dutch knowledge sector and Dutch central government have collaboratively created the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. The guidelines are intended as a guide for anyone who is involved in international cooperation within knowledge institutions and who weighs opportunities against risks (including security risks).
In 2022, the National Contact Point for Knowledge Security is established. The NCP for Knowledge Security provides information and advises knowledge institutions who are involved in international collaboration. Institutions can use this advice when weighing opportunities against risks. The National Contact Point is connected to all relevant departments of the Dutch central government and sector organisations, providing a single point of access for all questions about knowledge security.
Read more on the About us page on this website.
In April 2025, a Knowledge Security Screening Bill went into public consultation. The aim of the bill is to identify the knowledge and technology areas where the risks to our national security are greatest and prescribe a government executed screening for individuals seeking to start working in these fields within Dutch knowledge institutions. The legislative process is currently still ongoing.
Screening for researchers wising to handle sensitive knowledge | Government.nl
In 2025, knowledge institutions and the central government jointly developed a set of uniform indicators that knowledge institutions can use to assess risks. These indicators serve as a minimum common basis, with the aim of creating a level playing field in Dutch higher education and science and strengthening the resilience of the Dutch knowledge sector as a whole. The risk indicators supplement the National Guidelines on Knowledge Security.
The Dutch version of these risk indicators can be found here. The document is currently being translated into English. This translation will be available on this page shortly.
Tools and Resources
The 2025 edition of the Threat Assessment on State Actors (DBSA) was drawn up by the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), the Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV). It reports on the main developments with regard to state threats to national security since the appearance of the previous assessment, in November 2022.
Threat Assessment of State Actors 2025 | General Intelligence and Security Service
This new flyer by the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) provides those travelling for business with useful tips on how to handle confidential information and data carriers prio to, during, and after their trip abroad.
Travelling abroad for work - Safety risks | General Intelligence and Security Service