THUAS Starts Research on Demand Cybersecurity Skills among SMEs

The lectorate ‘Cyber Security and Safety’ at the Hague University of Applied Sciences has started a cybersecurity research with a focus for SMEs. The purpose of this research is to explore the current and future demand for IT and cybersecurity skills among SMEs in South-Holland. Moreover, the research aims to explore how IT and cybersecurity vocational education can align more with the needs of SMEs. The research is commissioned by IT-Verband Zuid-Holland.

Cybersecurity Needs of SMEs                                      

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly dependent on digital systems. These systems face growing threats such as ransomware, phishing and hacking. Resulting in impactful damage. A lot of SMEs lack sufficient and essential cybersecurity knowledge to protect themselves against threats and struggle to find cyber security professionals at the labour market. Therefore, it is important that SMEs enhance their knowledge on cybersecurity themselves in combination with the skill to effectively deploy external experts.

Purpose of the research                                                                          

The project is built to gain insights in required cybersecurity expertise of professionals within SMEs, and the tasks they need to perform as well as the competences required to do so. In addition, the current range of cybersecurity courses and training programmes will be gathered. This will help to determine the extent to which these courses match the needs of SME organisations and where any “blind spots” exist.

Impact of the research                                                                             

The results of the research will lead to the development of competence profiles for SMEs and an overview of relevant training programmes and courses. Additionally, the research will be providing recommendations on developing new programmes and courses that align with the practical needs of SMEs. This not only provides opportunities for companies to better train their employees, but also helps training institutions to better align their education with the market.

Stakeholders involved                                                                               

This research is being conducted by Emiel Kerpershoek and Marcel Spruit from the Lectorate Cyber Security and Safety at the Hague University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the Platform for Information Security (PvIB) and the professional association for cybersecurity professionals. Additionally, the students of the study HBO-ICT programme are involved in the project. The research runs until November 2026.

This research has an impact in strengthening digital resilience in South Holland and improving collaboration between IT/cybersecurity education and SMEs.

About ITVZH

IT Verband Zuid-Holland contributes to the development of IT talent for SMEs in South-Holland. With the support of the National Growth Fund, WE-IT, IT Campus Rotterdam, Dutch Innovation Factory, and Security Delta (HSD) collaborate to strengthen educational and training programmes. Additionally, they focus on intensifying research and development projects and stimulate collaboration between SMEs and educators. Main goal is to reduce the shortage of IT talent in SMEs.