Cyber security is a ‘team sport’ according to a leading tech entrepreneur

Hermann Hauser, the co-founder of Acorn Computers,  pre-recorded an interview that was aired at the National Cyber Security Centre’s CYBERUK conference, held in Belfast on 19 and 20 April.

In Dr Hauser’s interview with the NCSC’s CEO Lindy Cameron, he emphasises the importance of collaboration between governments, industry, academia and financiers in effectively responding to the latest cyber threats.

In the interview, he says that Britain has a tradition and history of leading cyber security.  He goes on to say:

“If you look at all the nations in the world that have a working innovation system, it is all based on the interaction of universities, the government, and the finance community.  It’s a team sport, I always say that.

“If technology startups are a team sport, you’ve got to have all these players working together.

“Cyber security is becoming a much more important part of the whole ecosystem.  It needs especially close cooperation between government, finance, and the tech community.”

The Business Cyber Centre is an example of such collaboration and has been built on a strong partnership of defence, security, academia, and entrepreneurial expertise.  It is a centre for the vibrant cyber economy in Swindon and Wiltshire, and beyond, with the aim to ensure all businesses  are cyber confident and secure.  It brings together world class resource, innovation and provides the opportunity to deliver an ecosystem dedicated to supporting and enabling safer growth of UK business.  Along with promoting collaboration, it also aims to empower and educate businesses as well as creating a space for innovation to happen.

The Swindon and Wiltshire Cyber Cluster is based from the BCC, and is a dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking group of like-minded individuals, who receive ongoing support suitable for all businesses.  Members share their own knowledge with others in addition to taking on the many learnings provided by group members and insightful guest speakers.  To quote Dr Hauser’s analogy, it could be described as a ‘team sport’.

Brea Woods, Project Manager – Cyber Networks, agrees with Dr Hauser’s thoughts on collaboration.  “The Cluster encourages collaboration, identifying partnership opportunities and provides networking to share ideas and best practices.”

The group creates a lively, valuable, and action-based network focussed on growth and innovation in the cyber sector, and at the same time supporting SMEs from all sectors across the region.  The Cyber Cluster events support national and international initiatives as well as providing opportunities for specialist cyber businesses with opportunities to find new ways to thrive and drive innovation, while giving the business community the opportunity to learn more about cyber security from our specialist members.

The SWCC also follows Dr Hauser’s thinking that innovative technology companies and startups will help grow the UK economy.  He says

“Innovative companies, and in particular deep technology companies, is really where the growth in the economy is going to come from.

“We’re not going to get it from traditional sectors, it has to come from innovative breakthroughs that come out of universities or big research labs.  The ecosystems that now exist, are the bases that allow you to build these companies much faster now than ever before.”

Find out more about joining the Swindon and Wiltshire Cyber Cluster by clicking here.