National strategy for the protection of Switzerland against cyber risks 2018-2022 4.1 Building competencies and knowledge Description Identification as early as possible and correct assessment of cyber risks are a prerequisite for mitigating these risks. In order for stakeholders in the private sector, society, and public authorities to do so, they will need both basic competencies and specific expertise. The corresponding capabilities are to be built up, conveyed, and further developed on an interdisciplinary basis through the existing educational and research institutions. The diversity and highly dynamic nature of cyber risks are particularly challenging in this context. Background Switzerland is home to a high-performance network of educational and research institutions at all levels. Due to the rapid development of cyber risks, the need for corresponding competencies and knowledge has risen dramatically. There is currently a lack of specific knowledge and specialists in the various fields relevant to cyber risks. This makes it difficult to protect against cyber risks and limits opportunities for the private sector to position itself in the growing ICT security market. In general, it remains a major challenge to identify important trends and technologies at an early stage. So far, no systematic and coordinated assessment of these trends and technologies has occurred, taking international aspects into account. Objectives and need for action Overview of sphere of action Switzerland as an educational and research centre should give the topic of cyber risks the appropriate weight and provide society, the private sector, and public authorities with the necessary competencies and research findings. New trends and technologies in the field of cyber security must be identified early on in order for Switzerland to be prepared for potential risks and to be able to take appropriate action as quickly as possible. The private sector must have sufficient know-how and specialists at its disposal to deal competently with cyber risks and to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the emerging ICT security market. In this context, it should be examined whether ICT security solutions can increasingly be produced in Switzerland by strengthening cooperation between the private sector, research and the state, thus improving the framework for innovative solutions in the field of ICT security as well as their production and distribution. The basis for achieving these goals is provided by research in the field of cyber security. Such research is not only important for building specialist knowledge and early identification of trends and technologies, but also creates an attractive environment for specialised personnel and innovative companies thanks to the exchange of knowledge between research and the private sector. Research in this interdisciplinary field should therefore be coordinated in the best possible way. Measures 1) Early identification of trends and technologies and knowledge building Trends and technologies in the ICT sector and the resulting opportunities and risks must be identified at regular intervals and at an early stage. The results of this monitoring are communicated to stakeholders in research, the private sector, the public sector, and society. Basic and applied research is promoted as needed and to the extent possible within the framework of existing means and processes (e.g. through National Research Programmes). 11