Securing Norway’s Digital Future

Title: Securing Norway’s Digital Future: Organizing a Coherent National Cybersecurity Research and Innovation Ecosystem

Short description: Norway is facing increasing digital threats and a research landscape characterized by fragmentation. This session examines how the country can organize the future of cybersecurity research and innovation in a holistic way, and why a national research center is essential to bring together academia, business, the public sector, and research institutes. Dual use technologies and the need for responsible governance are included in the discussion.

Theme and content: The topic addresses how Norway can build a coordinated and sustainable research ecosystem for cyber security towards 2035. The content includes: (1) Fragmentation in today’s research landscape and the consequences for national preparedness. (2) The need for a national research center that can function as a unifying structure. (3) Perspectives from academia, industry, the public sector and research institutes. (4) Formulation of principles, governance and funding models, and cooperation mechanisms for a future national center. (5) Dual use cybersecurity technologies (e.g., AI-powered defense tools, cryptography, surveillance systems) and ethical, legal, and strategic governance requirements. (6) Concrete recommendations for organization, financing, and long-term capacity building.

Format: Combination of short introductions, moderated discussion and participatory group work to develop concrete recommendations

Target groups: (1) Researchers and professional communities in cyber security. (2) Representatives from the public sector and national security administration. (3) Industry and technology leaders. (4) Research institutes and innovation environments. (5) Funding bodies and decision-makers. (6) Actors working with digitalization, emergency preparedness and technology development.

Knowledge level: Intermediate to Advanced. Participants should have a basic understanding of cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, or research and innovation systems. The session is relevant for both specialists and strategic decision-makers.