Introduction The dynamic growth in information and communications technologies has brought about not only new solutions to technical and societal problems, but also new challenges associated with the security of cyberspace in the Czech Republic. The state must therefore be capable of resisting cyber threats that are increasing in both quantity and sophistication1. For example, systems utilizing elements of machine learning and artificial intelligence allow large quantities of data to be analysed, and this is leading to increases in sophisticated spear-phishing attacks. The advancing integration of physical devices into computer-controlled systems (Internet of Things) is placing greater demands upon their security, and the same is also true of the advancing digitalization of industrial networks. Cyber security is thus closely connected to research, development and innovation (hereinafter “R&D&I”), which is also reflected in:  the National Cyber Security Strategy of the Czech Republic for the Period 2015 to 2020 (hereinafter the “National Strategy”)2;  the Security Strategy of the Czech Republic3;  the National Security Audit from 20164;  the Update of the National Research, Development, and Innovation Policy of the Czech Republic for 2016 to 2020 (2018 update)5;  the Inter-Departmental Concept of Support for Security Research in the Czech Republic 2017 to 2023 with an Outlook to 30306. The basic strategic framework for cyber security in the Czech Republic is defined in the National Strategy and in the follow-up Action Plan, approved by Cabinet Resolution No 382 dated 25 May 2015. This resolution imposes upon the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (hereinafter the “NCISA”) an obligation to draw up a National Concept for Research and Development in Cyber Security7. However, in view of the dynamics of the evolution of the issue being addressed and the related experience, it was found that science and development requirements in cyber security are better fulfilled by a different type of material – a National 1 Report on the Status of Cyber Security in the Czech Republic for 2018, available here: https://www.nukib.cz/download/publikace/zprava-o-stavu-kyberneticke-bezpecnosti-cr-2018-cz.pdf 2 Document available here: https://www.govcert.cz/cs/informacni-servis/strategie-akcni-plan/ 3 Document available here: https://www.vlada.cz/assets/ppov/brs/dokumenty/bezpecnostni-strategie2015.pdf 4 Document available here: https://www.vlada.cz/assets/media-centrum/aktualne/Audit-narodnibezpecnosti-20161201.pdf 5 Document available here: https://www.vyzkum.cz/FrontClanek.aspx?idsekce=866175 6 Document available here: https://www.mvcr.cz/vyzkum/clanek/koncepce-meziresortni-koncepcepodpory-bezpecnostniho-vyzkumu-cr.aspx 7 Document available here: https://www.govcert.cz/cs/informacni-servis/strategie-akcni-plan/ 3

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