Growing Cyber Talent Through Public Private Partnerships 2025

A concrete example of a PPP attracting talent into cybersecurity can be seen in collaborative awareness campaigns aimed at promoting cybersecurity careers and encouraging talent development across communities.5.1 Attracting talent into cybersecurity In 2011, the Agency for the Technological Modernization of Galicia (AMTEGA) was created to drive digitalization in the Spanish region. In 2020, AMTEGA partnered with Telefónica to raise awareness of cybersecurity and data protection among the citizens of Galicia and assist local government bodies in preventing cyberthreats and ensuring regulatory compliance. The main achievements of the PPP include: –Developing and launching Galicia’s cybersecurity web portal, offering educational and informative content. –Collaborating with regional TV to produce short cybersecurity videos, one of which introduced a cybercriminal character whose name became Galicia’s 2023 Word of the Year. –Organizing more than 600 live lectures, reaching 15,000- plus people, including specialized sessions for seniors. –Building a strong social media presence, attracting 250,000-plus followers and accumulating 4.3 million-plus views. –Hosting an annual Girls’ Talent in Cybersecurity event to encourage young women to explore careers in cybersecurity. –Providing resources and advanced tools such as security information and event management (SIEM), automated penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, digital surveillance and consultancy services for data protection and information security. The partnership optimizes public-fund investments by delivering tangible projects. Services are implemented swiftly, using specialized personnel and the support of a technology company to develop solutions tailored to the needs of the Galician population and local institutions.CASE STUDY 1 Telefónica and the Agency for the Technological Modernization of Galicia The Cyber Education Center (CEC) is bridging Israel’s cyber skills gap while driving social mobility through its flagship programme, Magshimim. As the country’s premier cybersecurity education initiative for high-school students, Magshimim is designed specifically for gifted underprivileged youth from Israel’s geo-social periphery. It provides cutting- edge training, immersive hands-on experiences and specialized tracks in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI). Beyond technical expertise, the programme encourages critical soft skills – teamwork, problem-solving and resilience – preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and high- tech industries. With a holistic support system, Magshimim nurtures students beyond tech, ensuring both personal and professional growth. Many alumni return as mentors, building self-sustaining tech environments in their communities.The programme is further amplified through strategic partnerships with leading private-sector organizations, such as Google, Check Point and Amdocs, which provide resources such as mentorship, industry exposure and office space for hackathons. With more than 5,500 students enrolled annually and 4,000 graduates – 85% of whom have already successfully integrated into the high-tech industry – Magshimim is not only fuelling Israel’s global leadership in cybersecurity but also developing the workers of Israel’s periphery, ensuring that talent, not background, defines success.CASE STUDY 2 Cyber Education Center Growing Cyber Talent Through Public–Private Partnerships 11