Tech clusters sign all-island memorandum of understanding with an eye on cyber security

Agreement seeks to foster greater cross-border collaboration in research and development

Trade

Pictured: Eoin Byrne, Cyber Ireland; Simon Whittaker, NI Cyber; Alison Currie, InterTrade Ireland; Pat Larkin, Cyber Ireland Advisory Board; and Jo English, NI Cyber

Cyber Ireland and NI Cyber have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining shared goals for the clusters, such as enhancing cross-border connections, supporting industry-academic research and development collaboration, and raising the international profile of the all-island sector. 

The announcement coincided with the launch of a comprehensive report commissioned by Cyber Ireland and NI Cyber, with support from InterTradeIreland’s Synergy Programme providing the first in-depth map of the all-island cyber security ecosystem. 

Key findings from the report carried out by Perspective Economics showed that the all-island cyber security sector is among the largest in Western Europe, comprising 632 firms and employing 10,600 professionals, with the sector generating an estimated €3.2 billion and contributing €1.5 billion in gross value added (GVA) in the most recent financial year.

The study also highlighted that the all-island cyber security sector benefitted greatly from the presence of multinational companies, but also indigenous enterprises, with 41% of cyber security firms headquartered in Ireland and 7% in Northern Ireland. However, barriers remained for the industry with policy gaps, procurement challenges and security clearance issues hindering cross-border collaboration. 

Eoin Byrne, cluster manager, Cyber Ireland, said: “Cyber security is not just a technological issue, it’s a strategic economic opportunity. This report demonstrates the strength of the all-island cyber security sector and the huge potential to improve our cyber resilience and drive economic growth by working together. The signing of the MoU between Cyber Ireland and NI Cyber is a major step forward in that journey.”

Alison Currie, director of Innovation & entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland said: “Cyber security is now a critical and vital consideration for all businesses. This report, funded by our Synergy programme, will benefit all businesses across the island of Ireland as they strive to collectively improve their cybersecurity preparedness, support their digitalisation processes and reduce their risk of cyber-attacks. InterTradeIreland is committed to supporting the cybersecurity sector as it continues to collaborate, innovate and overcome obstacles to further accelerate growth potential.”

TechCentral Reporters

Read More: Cyber Ireland InterTrade Ireland NI Cyber