Aarhus Spearheads Cybersecurity Efforts with new Security Tech Space
In a new partnership agreement, DI Digital, the digital branch of the Confederation of Danish Industry, and Aarhus Municipality have committed to develop the tech industry and advance cybersecurity initiatives. The collaboration aims to create an environment conducive to innovate cybersecurity solutions, elevate cybersecurity as a competitive advantage for Danish companies, and enhance cybersecurity levels for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Denmark. Additionally, a national SME:CERT center will be established. The SME:CERT is a knowledge and monitoring center that provides ongoing information, guidance, and proactive advisory services to Danish SMEs regarding cybersecurity.
Aarhus already holds a strong position in the field of cybersecurity, making it an ideal location for such an initiative. The city is home to renowned research institutions, including Aarhus University, which boasts top-ranked research in cryptography globally. On top of that, the Alexandra Institute in Aarhus provides innovative IT security technology solutions to companies across Denmark. The existing cybersecurity expertise and collaboration between academia, businesses, and public entities form a solid foundation for the establishment of Security Tech Space.
“With the Security Tech Space, we want to create an international environment that attracts highly skilled staff and the most ambitious students. An environment that allows knowledge and qualifications to move seamlessly between knowledge institutions and businesses. And last, but not least, an environment that makes a priority of sharing their knowledge and scaling great solutions to the benefit of the rest of the country – and the rest of the world. The Security Tech Space will be in one of Denmark’s most powerful research and innovation communities, IT-byen Katrinebjerg. The area is expanding in the coming years and will house even more tech students, startups, scaleups and investors, making it a perfect environment to grow and develop a highly specialized cluster for cyber and information Security,”
The establishment of the Security Tech Space has received support from various stakeholders who recognize the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. The Mayor of Aarhus, Jacob Bundsgaard, highlights the increasing threat of cybercrime and espionage and emphasizes the potential for Aarhus to become a prominent environment for cybersecurity, with international ambitions.
Aarhus University's rector, Brian Bech Nielsen, emphasizes the university's commitment to contribute with research-based knowledge to enhance cybersecurity and create a safe environment for businesses and citizens. CEOs from leading IT companies, such as Systematic, highlight the critical need for protecting essential infrastructures. A global hub for cybersecurity in Aarhus will benefit both companies and public institutions nationwide, while also attracting global attention to Denmark's cybersecurity expertise.