Geopolitical changes and ongoing challenges, such as the climate crisis and economic disruptions, are putting pressure on companies and society. To achieve higher efficiency and productivity, digitalization is necessary under the Green Deal initiative, facilitated by DIGITALEUROPE. However, digitalization also leads to an increased cyber threat surface, making cybersecurity more crucial. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous, especially in Ukraine and other countries. Georgia and Ukraine are uniquely placed to confront the novel cybersecurity challenges inherent in digitalizing society and other adverse actions sparked by geopolitical tensions. As prospective new EU members, both countries are aligned with EU ideals for a fairer and more inclusive digital society. Dealing with the cybersecurity challenges in digitalization requires covering a broad range of topics across various technical specialties and building up a cybersecurity workforce capable of handling diverse threats. Furthermore, reaching the entire society (i.e., not just the major urban areas) requires flexible networks capable of reaching everywhere without significant new connectivity costs (i.e., dedicated cabling and construction work) every time a new scenario emerges. 5G and beyond networks offer the necessary flexibility, but they also bring new cybersecurity challenges, requiring more security experts to ensure critical infrastructure and society's safety. Creating Research and Education Hubs in Georgia and Ukraine, connected with Portugal, Spain, and Lithuania, would significantly accelerate knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, benefiting participating countries and Europe.
Project aims to develop two similar R&EHubs – first in Ukraine and second in Georgia, taking into account and using as examples the EU countries’ universities best practices. R&EHubs will include three innovative laboratories in the field of Cybersecurity of 5G and beyond society. These two R&EHubs (UA and GE) will be a basis for the development labs, practical tasks in the framework of four educational courses (modules) within the project. Also, it will become a basis for the training of interested staff, upskilling program, conducting research activities, investigating cyberattacks in this area, etc. It is expected that all the laboratories will be cross-connected and the remote access to all interested stakeholders will be provided using one common R&EHub platform.