Privacy law no barrier to PhD database, Rathenau expert says

Dutch policy institute responds to government proposals on shielding knowledge transfer from outside influence

A plan to create a database that registers PhD students by nationality in order to protect technology transfer against potential spying activities is legally feasible, according to Alexandra Vennekens, a policy coordinator at the Rathenau Institute.

The plan to maintain a complete and up-to-date overview of all PhDs and international cooperation agreements would be in line with government plans, outlined in November, to encourage universities to ensure the safety of knowledge in international cooperation. However, the government had cast doubt on whether the system would be able to provide insights into the nationality and country of origin of PhD students, due to privacy laws.