The idea originated in earlier discussions with SMEs, in which it became clear that security improvement suggestions primarily focus on larger organizations. Therefore, it overlooks the specific challenges and needs faced by smaller ones. In particular, limited resources and low awareness of vulnerabilities, threats, and countermeasures were identified as key factors supporting the project’ s goal of providing activities that improve SMEs ' skills. This, in turn, enhances the firms’ ability to innovate products and services and to expand into new markets.
The
Luleå University of Technology( LTU) is leading the work in close collaboration with Centria University of Applied Sciences in Pietasaari and Ylivieska, Finland. Centria, with its well-established collaboration with SMEs in the program region, contributes expertise in technical and regulatory matters. LTU researchers’ expertise includes information management, risk management, security training, and fostering a security culture. They also liaise with other universities as a key partner in Campus Total Defence. The project’ s collaboration between a university and an applied science institution has proven successful in bringing together diverse yet complementary knowledge and networks. project