Intensifying geopolitical rivalries have triggered a series of national and international policy initiatives designed to safeguard research security and reduce risks associated with international scientific collaboration. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, examining the structures, processes, and policy frames that shape their respective approaches to research security and responsible internationalization. Although the Scandinavian countries share cultural, linguistic, and political similarities, as well as advanced research capabilities, their institutionalized strategies for managing the tension between openness and security diverge in significant ways. By examining the policy frames and the interplay between structural and processual factors, the study reveals how these variations produce distinct governance outcomes. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to conceptualizing a typology of national approaches, offering insights into how small, open knowledge economies navigate the dual imperatives of international engagement and strategic protection in an era of geopolitical uncertainty.