Ing. Radek Holý, Ph.D.

CIH will significantly support digital transformation and application of innovation in SMEs and public administration by building a coordinated and effective ecosystem comprising top research institutions with the necessary know-how and infrastructure, specialized business clusters, professional organizations, and public authorities. This robust ecosystem will provide its beneficiaries with access to education and information on cybersecurity trends and best practices, to expert advice and state-of-the-art infrastructures to verify the suitability and security of innovative solutions under consideration and increase the availability of funds to invest in innovation. CIH will also function as a platform for cooperation and information sharing between entities in the cybersecurity market, both at the level of Czechia and the EU. This will increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the EU cybersecurity industry, the security of IT infrastructures and the strength of the EU economy. CIH draws on partnerships and participation in international networks and builds on the success of Czech research and industry. CIH covers cybersecurity on the horizontal from various points of view (technical, legal, economic, social etc.), on the vertical CIH operates at all levels - it plays an important role in building the legislative environment, in research, commercialization and implementation of technologies, and in awareness raising and education. CIH also has links to standardization and certification that shape the cybersecurity market. This holistic approach and the ability to thoroughly map the ecosystem make CIH an attractive partner for international cooperation. This is also confirmed by its participation in 3 EU pilot research projects (Sparta, CyberSec4Europe and Concordia), cooperation with the EU and international organizations (ENISA, Europol, UN, NIST, etc.), and involvement in professional initiatives (e.g. REWIRE - capacity building in cybersecurity in the EU).

2023 - 2026

CIH will significantly support digital transformation and application of innovation in SMEs and public administration by building a coordinated and effective ecosystem comprising top research institutions with the necessary know-how and infrastructure, specialized business clusters, professional organizations, and public authorities. This robust ecosystem will provide its beneficiaries with access to education and information on cybersecurity trends and best practices, to expert advice and state-of-the-art infrastructures to verify the suitability and security of innovative solutions under consideration and increase the availability of funds to invest in innovation. CIH will also function as a platform for cooperation and information sharing between entities in the cybersecurity market, both at the level of Czechia and the EU. This will increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the EU cybersecurity industry, the security of IT infrastructures and the strength of the EU economy.

2026 - 2028

The Cybersecurity Innovation Hub (further referred to as CIH) is currently the only European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) in the Czech Republic—and one of the few in Central Europe—specifically dedicated to Cybersecurity and Trust, aligning with Specific Objective 3 of the Digital Europe Programme (DEP). The now proposed Cybersecurity Innovation Hub II (further referred to as CIH II) under the DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-EU-EEA-08-CONSOLIDATION-STEP call (further referred only as “the Call”) is a natural continuation and extension of the current successful CIH addressing the requirements defined in the Call, namely reflecting the transformation potential of AI technologies and leveraging its uptake while preserving Union values of democracy and humanity. It is also better targeted to the current needs of society that continually change due to new and expected legislation, tough geopolitical situation, and progress in technology. Primary attention is given to goals defined by the Call, namely covering the transition to AI-enabled secure society and economy. As AI acts as enabler of secure system design and operation, it naturally helps to promote secure user behaviour, but is on the other hand a sensitive target of cyberattacks. In-depth understanding of AI-related risks is inevitable for defence against AI-enabled cyberattacks using sophisticated methods ranging from vulnerability discovery to manipulation of public opinion through fake-news.