Deliverable 2.2 Bridging Gaps: A Raw Needs Assessment Report for Enhanced Collaboration Between Civilian and Defence Cybersecurity Spheres

This public deliverable is part of the COcyber Work Package (WP) 2 “Coordination activities between cybersecurity civilian and defence spheres”. COcyber is a two-year initiative supported by the European Commission and European Cybersecurity Competence Centre to foster the collaboration of civilian and defence cybersecurity sectors.  

Abstract

This report summarises the Needs Assessment conducted under Task 2.2 “Needs assessment and consultation for improved participation and collaboration” of the COcyber project, focusing on identifying the needs, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing collaboration between the civilian and defence sectors in cybersecurity. As cyber threats evolve and increasingly sophisticated, stronger partnerships between these sectors are essential to ensure national cyber resilience.

The primary objective of the assessment was to evaluate key areas for collaboration, including joint cyber defence initiatives, technology sharing, crisis management, and policy alignment. The study utilised a participatory approach, combining quantitative survey, qualitative focus group discussions, and consultations with key stakeholders, such as representatives from European institutions (ENISA, EDA, EC), national defence ministries, cybersecurity agencies, industrial players, and research institutions.

Key findings highlight critical gaps in collaboration and propose actionable insights to guide the development of a structured roadmap in Task 2.3. This roadmap establishes short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for fostering sustainable and integrated partnerships. The outcomes of this assessment provide a foundation for aligning civilian and defence efforts to address emerging cybersecurity challenges effectively.

Disclaimer

The COcyber project funded under Grant Agreement No. 101158606 is supported by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre. Neither the European Union nor the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre can be held responsible for them. 

The contents of this deliverable are presented for informational purposes only and are subject to the pending approval of the European Commission (EC). The information, data, and conclusions presented herein may undergo revisions or modifications following the review and approval process by the European Commission. Recipients of this document are advised that any actions, decisions, or reliance on the information provided should be exercised with caution until the final approval from the European Commission is obtained. The authors and distributors of this deliverable shall not be held liable for any consequences arising from the use of information that has not yet received official European Commission approval.