What is FIRM?
The term “Foreign Influence” is generally used to characterize a situation wherein an international entity (e.g., a sponsoring or collaborating institution, industry partner, donor, or other international entity with a direct or indirect relationship to the university) positions itself to gain access to the university’s Intellectual Property (IP) and/or export controlled information; or to covertly influence or steer the course of federally-funded research in a manner that benefits said foreign entity.
Foreign Influence Risk Management (FIRM) is FIU’s process for identifying and analyzing foreign influence risks, aligning those risks to the University’s strategic goals, developing a practical risk framework, and building practical processes and resources to successfully mitigate such risks.
Both federal sponsors and the State of Florida have implemented multiple requirements related to the identification, review, and reporting of interactions that may result in inappropriate foreign influence.
To assist FIU faculty, staff, students, consultants, and other related entities, the Foreign Influence Task Force (led by the Office of University Compliance & Integrity and ORED) has put together a comprehensive resource center to facilitate compliance with both federal and state foreign influence requirements. To find out more, click on one of the boxes below.
Questions?