Annex 1: Evaluation of fulfilment of objectives specified by the 2023 National Research and Development Plan on Cybersecurity and Information Security Involvement in EU programmes and support for research projects In 2023, support for priority research in cybersecurity and information security continued under the National Applied Research and Experimental Development Support Programmes. At the EU level, NÚKIB actively participated in developing the Digital Europe and Horizon Europe work programmes, which provide stable support for developing quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and other key research areas. Acting as application guarantor, NÚKIB supported several research projects financed by public competition programmes of the Ministry of the Interior and the Technology Agency, the aim being to increase the practical applicability of research and development initiatives. Developing information facilities and connecting the cybersecurity research and development community NÚKIB has also been instrumental in building information resources and fostering a research and development community. The agency’s website features regularly updated cybersecurity research and development news and a recently created information page highlighting the activities and services of the National Coordination Centre for Research and Development in Cybersecurity. Regular meetings of the Cybersecurity and Information Security Research and Development Centre further strengthened links between the academic, public and private sectors. International activities and cooperation - PROPED Internationally, NÚKIB co-organised three research missions under the PROPED Economic Diplomacy Support Facility. The first mission in Germany focused on deepening cooperation between academia and the public sector in fibre network security. This was followed by a Czech-Bavarian networking seminar on cybersecurity in Regensburg, addressing the implementation of the EU NIS 2 Directive and challenges in the use of AI tools. The third mission to Singapore was organized to exchange experience and establish contacts between Czech and Singaporean entities involved in cyber threat detection. Evolution of the National Coordination Centre In accordance with Regulation 2021/887 of the European Parliament and of the Council, NÚKIB progressed towards establishing the National Coordination Centre. Two EU grants obtained by NÚKIB through the Digital Europe Programme will fund the improvement of information support services for providing advice and disseminating research and development results within the Czech Republic. 48 These projects will also facilitate financial support to entities active in cybersecurity through subsidies.