UKC3 has welcomed publication of the UK Government’s Cyber Growth Action Plan.
The national cluster network has also offered to assist in shaping Government objectives through its established network, spanning 18 areas around the UK.
The Government has made clear that cyber security presents an essential part of the UK’s future growth. Earlier this year, the Industrial Strategy identified cyber security as a frontier technology in its Digital and Technologies sector plan.
The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) has now published its Cyber Growth Action Plan, offering a vision for developing the sector.
Both plans note that the UK cyber sector is growing – and has the scope to grow much more. However, both also warn that cyber threats are also in the ascendancy.
Therefore, DSIT’s Cyber Growth Action Plan identifies three strategic priorities for Government and industry to seize upon the cyber opportunity by:
- Pushing the cycle of resilience and growth by stimulating demand – and supporting businesses of all sizes in meeting that demand;
- Making strategic choices about where to focus on technologies and sectors;
- Simplifying and clarifying the roles of government in relation to cyber resilience and growth.
Over recent years, UKC3 has demonstrated its convening power in building a unique network of 18 cyber security clusters.
Clusters are based around the UK, with UKC3 providing a single point of access to Government and industry groups requiring a distinct understanding of local markets and industry needs.
Since incorporation in 2021, UKC3 has become a UK lead in its space, operating between clusters, government, industry, academia, cyber security professionals, and investors to help attract, develop, and retain cybersecurity talent.
UKC3 has achieved this by:
- Sharing resources to seed and grow innovative cyber security ecosystems.
- Working with education, outreach, and apprenticeships to address skills shortages.
- Helping build networks to spread new ideas, technologies, and investment.
- Supporting cluster-based events, programmes, and funding bids.
Ben Shorrock, UKC3 Director and Ecosystem Development Lead, said: “Our 18 clusters have deep roots in their local cyber security ecosystems, with networks spanning industry, local authorities, academia, and the third sector.
“These 18 clusters are embedded in their communities, reflecting place-specific priorities and strengths, and making them ideally placed to support with the development of the Government’s planned Regional Cyber Growth Centres.”
At a strategic level, UKC3 has demonstrated its purpose as a central board by convening clusters and stakeholder forums, as well as liaising directly with Government.
It has also supported clusters as they make their own case to Government: UKC3 recently backed a White Paper by the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster warning of a looming skills crisis in the cyber security sector. It has been sponsored by the APPG on Cyber Innovation and will be officially launched in Westminster later this month.
Simon Newman, UKC3 Co-Chair, said: “UKC3 is experienced in facilitating impactful collaboration across the UK’s cyber sector, as well as sharing regional best practice, and driving development that is essential to closing the UK’s cyber skills gap.
“We’ve learned that place-based clusters are fundamental to instilling the key messages of cyber security in the UK and welcome DSIT’s plans to take the idea further.”
