Looking Back at Cybersecurity Event in Munich: Dutch-German Collaboration on AI, Data, and Compliance Challenges

Munich (Germany) was all about cybersecurity on 21 November 2024. The Consulate General of the Netherlands and EY hosted the event 'AI, Data, Compliance: The Challenges for Cybersecurity'. What Can We Learn from Each Other?”. The session is part of the Partners for International Business (PIB) Germany Programme and was organised in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Security Delta (HSD), InnovationQuarter.

Aim of the event was to promote cooperation between Dutch and German companies in the field of cybersecurity. Stakeholders from the cybersecurity sector, including executives from businesses, research institutions, and government agencies, came together to explore the latest challenges in cybersecurity and present practical solutions.

Opening remarks

Dr. Fabian Mehring, Bavarian Minister of State for Digital Affairs, opened the event setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and collaborative opportunities.

Exploring key cybersecurity topics 

The main focus of this year’s event was the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), data, and compliance regulations on cybersecurity strategies. As digital transformation continues to increase, these three factors are becoming central to organisational security frameworks, and the event provided an opportunity to explore how companies can adapt and stay ahead of the latest risks.

To further expand on these themes, participants could join breakout sessions about:

• The impact of the new Cyber Security Legislation om OT – EY
• Revolutionizing Access: Exploring the power of Digital Authorization Concepts – SonicBee
• European Data Sovereignty: is Germany leading the way? - Guardian360 & Leitzcloud
• Woman4Cyber: Die drie Fragezeichen zur Erhölung des Frauenanteils in der Cyber Community - Secumailer & EY

During the breakout sessions, speakers from both countries discussed current topics such as the use of cyber tools in IT audits, the impact of new EU cybersecurity laws on industrial control systems, and how companies can keep their compliance and security under control.

Networking and collaboration

Attendees furthermore had the chance to connect with participating companies, and discuss collaboration opportunities between Dutch and German organisations, and gain valuable insights from experts in the field of cybersecurity and compliance.

Building stronger Dutch-German partnerships for cybersecurity resilience

The event successfully facilitated collaboration between Dutch and German companies, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in countering the evolving challenges of cybersecurity. Attendees gained valuable insights into the latest challenges and practical solutions and new pathways for collaboration.

The Partners for International Business Cybersecurity Germany (PIB) programme is a dynamic collaboration between Dutch public and private organisations. The objective of this three-year programme is to collaboratively enter the German market and establish partnerships aimed at enhancing cybersecurity standards in both Germany and the Netherlands. It is an initiative of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RvO) commissioned by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Driving the PIB initiative forward are Security Delta (HSD) and InnovationQuarter. Their combined efforts bolster the progress of this initiative, propelling it towards its goal of enhancing Germany's cybersecurity landscape. Their involvement signifies a strategic commitment to facilitating meaningful connections and fostering innovations that transcend boundaries.