David Vigneault says that foreign governments’ interest in Western innovation has reached unprecedented levels. Universities and advanced research labs now face the same risks that once applied mainly to government agencies and defence contractors.
China, he said, stands out as the most persistent actor. Its intelligence services use cyber operations and human networks to access technologies that can be repurposed for defence production. The wide scope of these activities suggests long-term planning and strong state backing.
The worry, Vigneault explained, is not just the theft of information but the strategic advantage it provides. When innovations with military potential are siphoned away, the balance of power can shift in unpredictable ways.
China’s modernisation efforts, particularly since the early 2000s, have driven this surge in strategic espionage. The country saw how rapidly the US military could intervene abroad and resolved to close the gap through unconventional methods, including research theft.
Vigneault believes that public institutions, private companies and governments must improve communication and threat awareness. He emphasized that security measures should be paired with strong commitments to fairness and openness.
Western Innovation Being Exploited by Foreign Powers, Former Spy Chief Says
