A9. Expert advice in the preparation of projects in the field of cyber and information security

KC KB UPJŠ provides systematic expert advice and analytical support to public administration entities and the academic sector in the field of cyber and information security, focusing on the preparation and implementation of projects financed from national and European sources.

1. Analysis of public administration needs in the personnel area of ​​cyber and information security

KC KB UPJŠ carries out analyses of public administration needs, with special attention paid to the region of Eastern Slovakia, which has long lagged behind in the area of ​​research and innovation capacities. The analyses are based on direct communication with public administration entities and focus on identifying needs in the field of cyber security, including personnel capacities, technological equipment and existing processes and policies.

Methodologically, KC KB UPJŠ uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, in particular questionnaires, interviews, expert workshops and analysis of available statistical data. The output of these activities is the identification of specific shortcomings and needs of public administration, which serve as a basis for project design, capacity development and improvement of the level of KIB.

2. Expert advice in the preparation and implementation of projects

KC KB UPJŠ provides expert advice to public sector entities, especially academic institutions, in the preparation and implementation of projects focused on cyber and information security. The advice covers a wide range of financial instruments, including EU structural funds, the Recovery and Resilience Plan, cross-border programs and international calls (e.g. Horizon Europe, ERC) as well as other national and foundation calls. Services in this area include in particular:

Preparation of project proposals:

• assistance in defining the objectives, methodology, budget and expected project outputs,
• providing templates and methodological guidelines for project plans,
  expert consultations and feedback on project objectives and funding applications,
• support in the processing of project documentation, including schedules and analytical materials.

Organization of training and workshops:

• implementation of training focused on the preparation of project applications and project management,
• providing examples of good practice and case studies of successful projects.

Mentoring and coaching:

• individual mentoring of researchers and project teams,
• support in solving specific problems during the implementation of projects.

3. Monitoring of calls and support for participation in projects

KC KB UPJŠ actively monitors available calls and grant opportunities in the field of cyber and information security and provides advice on identifying suitable sources of funding. This service includes cooperation with public institutions in identifying their needs and possibilities for participation in projects.

KC KB UPJŠ also ensures ongoing monitoring of calls from EU programs, the Recovery and Resilience Plan, cross-border funds and other sources. To support the educational and academic sector, it creates and maintains an overview of a database of relevant calls and grant opportunities, thereby contributing to increasing the success of participation in project activities in the field of cyber and information security.