Leveraging the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework(ECSF) in EU Innovation Projects: Workforce Development Through Skilling, Upskilling, and Reskilling

Cybersecurity skilled workforce is a critical challenge for Europe. The increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks demand a skilled and competent workforce to protect digital infrastructure and ensure online safety. This paper presents a viable solution for European cybersecurity workforce development and capacity-building efforts, leveraging the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) to facilitate cybersecurity training and professional workforce development. The paper begins by highlighting the cybersecurity workforce shortage and the challenges faced by higher education institutes in providing relevant education and training. It then emphasises the need for a qualified and competent cybersecurity workforce considering the increased cyber threats and risks. The paper explores ECSF as a solution for skilling, upskilling, and reskilling in the cybersecurity sector interwinding with a project case. Next, the paper presents a case study of the “CyberSecPro” and “NERO” projects that aims to equip the workforce with cutting-edge and relevant education and training. The paper argues that ECSF provides a common language and framework for cybersecurity skills and competencies development, harmonising education, training, and workforce development efforts across Europe. The case study outlines the methodology for selecting training modules aligned with the working-life demands and underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government bodies to meet the cybersecurity workforce capacity-building goals. The paper concludes that ECSF is a valuable tool if used appropriately for addressing the cybersecurity workforce shortage and build European cybersecurity skills capacity.