Hailed as one of the first post-Brexit European partnerships of its kind, the University of Gloucestershire has unveiled plans to open an institute for cyber security and digital innovation in Germany.
Funding of 4.23 million euros (£3.6 million) over five years has been secured from the Düren district in Germany for the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Applied Sciences for Medium-Sized Enterprises (FHM) to establish the new facility.
The district is said to see the partnership between the UK institution and Fachhochschule del Mittselsands (FHM) University as crucial to its economic regeneration plans, supporting business growth in high-innovation, high-skill sectors.
Stephen Marston, vice-chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, said: ‘The project will deliver first class digital education and research and support businesses to address a key skills shortage in an area of Germany which has exceptional potential for sustainable growth.’
The new institute will offer training in the area of data protection and cyber security for businesses in the Rhineland region, tailored to their specific needs, promoting cyber security and digital innovation in small and medium-sized businesses.
The first activities are planned to launch in Autumn 2021 and will lay the platform for the future development of a centre of excellence in applied cyber and digital sciences in Düren.
