A new five-year plan to support a continued expansion of cyber technology, infrastructure and innovation across the Greater Manchester region has been put forward, the combined authority has announced.
Through the Greater Manchester Cyber Strategy 2023-2028, ways that cyber capabilities can be grown have been identified, with these centring around partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector. The overall aim of this work is to strengthen the resilience and diversity of the cyber sector in the region, whilst also supporting local people to gain access to opportunities to develop new skills that are necessary to addressing talent gaps in the sector.
The city region is already a leader in cybersecurity and innovation, with it becoming a centre for digital ethics, trust and security across the UK and Europe and playing a key role in the UK’s security and resilience. The digital economy in Greater Manchester is also worth £5 billion, with this leading to it being a lucrative location for businesses in the sector.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Lead for Digital, Cllr Nick Peel, said:
“Through greater collaboration, innovation, and skills development we have a real opportunity to deliver improved productivity and resilience that benefits businesses and individuals across Greater Manchester. Having a cyber strategy for the region is key. We know that growth of our cyber sector will lead to the creation of high value, which, in turn will contribute to a greener, fairer, and more prosperous Greater Manchester. We’re ensuring community engagement is throughout plans and drawing in cyber talent from across the region. Through this strategy, we will empower people by making them feel safer and more confident to use digital technologies for work, health, or to access online public services.”
The plan for the next five years has been developed by the Greater Manchester Cyber Advisory Group, with this representing the diversity and size of the cyber ecosystem and featuring businesses, academia, the public sector and representatives of local and national government. The group will partner with the combined authority on the plan’s delivery.
Victoria Knight, Chair of Greater Manchester’s Cyber Advisory Group, also commented:
“Led by the Greater Manchester Cyber Advisor Group, this strategy will drive forward an inclusive, resilient and prosperous economy for Greater Manchester and the North. It will ensure that we build upon our bold and ambitious strategy to foster collaborations, drive innovation and investment whilst creating accessible routes to careers in cyber and celebrating diversity across the sector. This will firmly establish Greater Manchester at the core of responsible cyber on both a national and international stage.”
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