Successful International Industry Engagement Workshop on Cybersecurity, organised by EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative and the MERIT Project

On November 13, 2024, the International Industry Engagement Workshop on Cybersecurity, organised by the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative in collaboration with the MERIT Project, achieved a remarkable turnout with over forty participants joining both in-person and online. The workshop was held within the framework of the Deep Tech Skills Days 2024, bringing together experts, academics, and SMEs from across Europe to explore cutting-edge cybersecurity challenges and opportunities.

The hybrid format allowed for a wide reach, engaging a diverse audience in discussions on modern cybersecurity trends, innovative solutions, and the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Event Highlights

The workshop started with a brief opening session, setting the stage for an engaging series of presentations and an interactive discussion led by cybersecurity professionals. Keynote presentations were delivered by industry leaders, and together with MERT project experts, they showcased the latest advancements and challenges in the field of cybersecurity.

Presentations:

• Modern Cybersecurity Threats: Now AI-Driven
  Andrei Resmerita, FORT
  Andrei provided insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming the cybersecurity landscape, enabling new defences while introducing novel threats that demand advanced, adaptive solutions.
• The Age of Collaborative Cybersecurity Systems: The SIEMBIOT Platform
  Tiberiu Baraboi, Expertware
  Tiberiu presented the SIEMBIOT platform, highlighting its role in fostering collaboration among cybersecurity systems to improve detection, response, and mitigation strategies.

Following the presentations, a dynamic interactive discussion took place, moderated by experts from the MERIT project partners. This session encouraged attendees to explore pressing questions around cybersecurity challenges, the adoption of emerging technologies, and strategies for enhancing digital resilience.

Expert Contributions and Organisational Collaboration

The event featured key contributions from MERIT project experts, including:

• Ruta Pirta, Riga Technical University (RTU)
• Simona Ramanauskaitė, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH)
• Georgios Bakirtzis, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC)
• Umberto Morelli, Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK)

The collaborative effort between leading academic institutions, industry experts, and SMEs was further bolstered by the EDIH Digital Innovation Zone, which played a pivotal role in organising the event, offering comprehensive support, and facilitating discussions among experts. Project partners and experts joined forces to effectively tackle complex cybersecurity challenges.

Takeaways and Outcomes

The workshop provided valuable insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape, with participants leaving equipped with:

• Increased awareness of emerging AI-driven threats and collaborative cybersecurity systems.
• Guidance on the digital skills required for future cybersecurity professionals.
• Actionable insights for researchers and educators on aligning technologies and competencies with industry demands.

Participants appreciated the opportunity to network, share knowledge, and engage in meaningful discussions that extend beyond the event.

Gratitude and Future Opportunities

The MERIT Project and EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative express their sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, and organisers for making this event a resounding success. The workshop stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing critical challenges in the digital era.

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