NWO is expected to publish a new call "Cybersecurity for Digital Resilience" under the Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC) in June 2023. With this call, NWO aims to provide a substantial boost to cybersecurity knowledge and innovation focused on solutions to digital security problems.

Large digital networks and infrastructure are frequently under attack by malicious actors. Successful attacks can have a major impact on governments, businesses and private individuals. New knowledge and innovation in cybersecurity is badly needed to strengthen the digital resilience of the Netherlands.

Purpose of the call and content themes

The goal of this call is to acquire essential and innovative knowledge from fundamental and applied cybersecurity research that contributes to securely shaping the digital transformation of the Netherlands. The development of new (technological) tools, methods, action perspectives and intervention possibilities is central to this.

The call 'Cybersecurity for digital resilience' follows priorities, established in the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda (KIA) Key Technologies and the KIA Security, is developed within the mainline Mission of the Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC).

For the substantive framing of this call for proposals, seven themes are adhered to, as identified in the Cybersecurity for the Netherlands (CS4NL) program:

• Security by design
• Secure data-driven working
• Secure and robust connectivity
• Security of Operational Technology (OT) and IoT, and secure integration with IT
• Cyber risk management
• System and supply chain security
• Cyber knowledge and skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

NWO, in developing the "Cybersecurity for Digital Resilience" call, takes into consideration that many cybersecurity problems have social, societal as well as technological challenges. NWO therefore identifies three intersecting themes that recur repeatedly in cybersecurity issues: the human factor; legislation, regulation and politics; and technological developments. Consortia in projects where possible should address all of these themes when developing their research question.

Researchers from alpha, beta and gamma disciplines, as well as researchers at colleges and other knowledge institutions, are invited to collaborate with industry and civil society organizations to submit a joint project proposal for this call. To facilitate this, NWO will organize a matchmaking meeting after publication of the call. More information about this and an opportunity to register for this matchmaking meeting will follow after the call for proposals is adopted.

Source (in Dutch): https://www.nwo.nl/nieuws/vooraankondiging-cybersecurity-voor-digitale-weerbaarheid-kic