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Study Visit of representatives from EU Member States to the Republic of Korea on the topic of Cybersecurity Skills & Higher Education

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Study Visit of representatives from
EU Member States to the Republic of Korea
on the topic of Cybersecurity
Skills & Higher Education

About the Event

Summary of Proposed Activities

  1. Organisation of Study Visit: The visit will include funding and logistics support for 10 to 15 EU participants. Participants will represent public or private entities aiming at developing cybersecurity skills in the European Union or enhancing the EU cybersecurity workforce, for example National Coordination Centres (NCCs), cybersecurity agencies or relevant ministries or departments, cybersecurity campuses, higher education institutions, vocational education and training providers, European companies or firms research centres. Participants’ travel and accommodation will be funded according to DPA project rules. The visit is currently suggested to occur around the week March 10–17, 2025 and to be conducted in Seoul only. Visit to other sites may also be included if deemed appropriate.
  2. Engagement with South Korean Entities: Visits will include the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), leading universities like the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), prominent tech hubs such as Pangyo Techno Valley, and visit to Korea Information Technology Research Institute (KITRI). Discussions will address the current state of cybersecurity higher education and opportunities for cooperation.
  3. Roundtable Workshops: These half-day sessions will cover topics such as bridging the cybersecurity skills gap, the role of public-private partnerships, and curriculum modernisation for future challenges.
  4. Optional – Networking Opportunities: To enhance collaboration, the program may include networking events, including dinners, social and cultural experiences, and if coinciding with relevant events participants may attend them as part of the visit.

Objectives

This study visit represents a unique opportunity to build upon the EU-ROK Digital Partnership, fostering collaboration in cybersecurity higher education and skills development. By learning from South Korea’s advancements, the EU can strengthen its cybersecurity framework and contribute to a globally secure digital environment.
This study visit aims to:

  1. Facilitate knowledge exchange on cybersecurity education and workforce development between EU and ROK experts.
  2. Explore South Korea’s strategies in addressing cybersecurity challenges, focusing on public-private partnerships and curriculum innovation.
  3. Strengthen collaboration under the EU-ROK Digital Partnership framework, with the aim of contributing building a roadmap for future cooperation, with emphasis on addressing global cybersecurity skills shortages and capacity-building initiatives.

Background and Rationale

The Digital Partnership between the EU and the Republic of Korea (ROK) builds on robust collaboration in trade, research, and technology. This partnership aligns with the shared commitment to democratic values and the need for cooperative approaches to global challenges. The EU-ROK Digital Partnership encompasses topics like artificial intelligence, 5G/6G, semiconductors, online platforms, quantum, data and cybersecurity.

The Digital Partnership in Action (DPA) project helps operationalising these commitments, supporting initiatives that enhance technology diplomacy, policy alignment, interoperability of standards, development of R&D collaboration on emerging technologies, skills training, digital trade and mutual capacity-building. South Korea, renowned for its cutting-edge technology ecosystem, offers invaluable insights into cybersecurity education, workforce development, and resilience-building against cyber threats. This study visit is designed to deepen EU-ROK collaboration, leveraging South Korea’s expertise and fostering knowledge exchange.

Proposed Agenda

  • Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Orientation. Overview of the EU-ROK Digital Partnership and introduction to the week’s program.
  • Day 2: Half day Roundtable discussion on cybersecurity higher education frameworks and workforce development, followed by an institutional visit to KISA and other relevant organisations.
  • Day 3: Half day Roundtable discussion on public-private partnerships and curriculum innovation, with a tour of tech innovation centres and other relevant institutions (in Seoul or elsewhere).
  • Day 4: Visit to other relevant institutions and tailored sessions with South Korean industry and startups, complemented by meetings with government officials and debriefing event at EU Delegation.

The exact agenda will be confirmed in January.

Outcome / Deliverable

A Summary Report of the event, multi-media materials and recommendations for follow-up of EU-ROK joint activities along with Policy and Institutional Insights, Enhanced Knowledge Exchange, Improved Collaboration Framework under the EU-ROK Digital Partnership, Input to a roadmap for Future Cooperation, Strengthened Cybersecurity Ecosystem, Increased Visibility and Engagement and Participant Capacity-Building.
Participants may be asked to present concrete outcomes or projects resulting from the study visit to National Coordination Centres (NCCs) in the framework of the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) Working Group 5 on cybersecurity skills.

Participant Selection Process

  1. Call for Applications: An open call shared through the NCCs of Working Group 5 on cybersecurity skills of the ECCC. Each NCC will be invited to share two applications.
  2. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in the development of cybersecurity skills, research, or policy within the EU and provide information, in their application, as to how participation to the programme would benefit the EU cybersecurity workforce and/or skills development in the field of cybersecurity.
  3. Selection Committee: Comprising representatives from the European Commission, the EU Delegation to ROK, and DPA project leads, the committee will evaluate applications based on relevance, expertise, and potential for collaboration.
  4. Timeline:
    • Launch: December 2024
    • Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
    • Selection Announcement: end of January 2025

Next Steps

  1. Finalise Dates and Logistics: Confirm venues, travel arrangements, and stakeholder engagements.
  2. Launch Communication Campaign: Promote the study visit through EU and ROK channels to attract participants and stakeholders.
  3. Finalise Agenda and Speakers: Work with South Korean counterparts to confirm session topics, speakers, and institutional visits.
  4. Participant Onboarding: Organise pre-visit briefings and logistical support for selected participants.

PoC: Gianluca Misuraca, Team Leader of the Digital Partnerships in Action project -g.misuraca.dpa@eprd.pl

Please ensure our generic email address is kept in CC: dpa@eprd.pl

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