• • • • 5.8 actors and business, particularly on sustainability and common global challenges. Collaboration between Swedish government agencies, business and research institutions should be developed on issues concerning technology, innovation and digital transformation and China. Cooperation in the EU needs to be enhanced on issues concerning technology, innovation and digital transformation and China, both to strengthen European competitiveness and to promote relevant European interests. The Government will protect and promote international law in cyberspace and existing models of internet governance built on multiparty collaboration rather than state control. Exchanges with China on space issues are conducted in accordance with the Government’s space strategy and relevant laws and provisions. Research and education It is important for Sweden to have access to advanced education, research and innovation environments in China. It is also essential that Swedish companies establish a presence there, and that awareness of Sweden as a knowledge and innovation nation is high. Chinese students, researchers and innovators make valuable contributions to Swedish universities, higher education institutions and companies in Sweden. In this area, cooperation with China involves particular challenges in relation to ethics, academic freedom and intellectual property protection, and to links to China’s military sector regarding, for example, the possibility of transferred technologies being used for military purposes. The Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT) and other institutions contribute to strengthening the strategies, activities and networks of Swedish higher education institutions with regard to China. • • • Responsibility for cooperation with China in research and education, for gathering relevant knowledge and for addressing the challenges that arise lies with higher education institutions and the research-intensive business sector. The Government underlines the value of cooperation in the area and collaboration with other Swedish agencies. The Government is working to ensure that Swedish researchers and students enjoy good prospects for study in, and exchanges with, China. Through the innovation and research office at the Swedish Embassy in Beijing, the Government conducts long-term and strategic promotion of Swedish innovation, research and higher education. 19