Call for Blogs: National Security Campaign Week 2024 #NatSec2024
We would like to invite members to contribute to techUK’s National Security Campaign Week which this year will centre around the Strategic Priorities of the techUK National Security Committee, which was set up in March 2023. During the week beginning 22 January 2024, we’ll explore some of the key themes around how the UK can strengthen national security through the use of technology, what the current threat landscape looks like and whilst looking ahead, what future threats we could envisage.
Have you got a good story to tell about how your organisation is helping to strengthen UK national security, or what threats the UK is currently facing? Are you developing an industry-leading perspective in a particular national security technology? Or do you have some solutions about how we can improve understanding of national security risks or anticipate and tackle large-scale threats? Then this is a great opportunity to get the word out!
Each day during the week we’ll explore one of five themes with blog posts, tweets (#NatSec2024) and case studies. This could be a thought leadership blog post (600–800 words), a case study or a video that demonstrates your view on this issue. We’d like to invite you to contribute on any of the topics outlined below. If you wish to contribute to a different topic, we would be more than happy to take on suggestions and explore this further.
Themes of the week
Monday: Addressing the digital skills gap within national security – Digital skills and digital literacy are becoming increasingly more crucial for national security. There is a need to address the digital skills gap within security organisations in the UK, whilst also addressing the continued lack of diversity. Within national security, there is a growing requirement for a sovereign workforce, which is consistently met with persistent challenges around security clearances. We would love to hear submissions on how the UK can address the gap in digital skills for security whilst also hearing member recommendations for the vetting transformation programme.
Tuesday: Threat Intelligence Landscape – The UK faces a range of national security threats from terrorism, espionage and state threats. Understanding and assessing the threats facing UK businesses will ensure security measures are proportionate, effective and responsive. Whilst initially this theme may prompt submissions on the cyber threat intelligence landscape within the UK, we would love to expand and also hear member views on how technology can be used to uncover threats from foreign actors, threats to critical national infrastructure, growing threat of ransomware and economic crime.
Wednesday: National Security Policy in the UK – It has been a busy year within UK national security policy, with notable legislative developments on both the National Security & Investment Act, and the newly enacted National Security Act. We would like to hear member views on how HMG’s national security policy landscape, recommendations for improvements which are underpinned by better protections for the UK technology sector and attention to UK economic security and strategic advantage. The main policy areas of interest here should focus on procurement, innovation and resilience. This is an important theme leading up to a year of a potential election!
Thursday: Supply-chain security and risk - A supply chain risk is a function of threat, vulnerability, and consequence. A supply chain threat is specific and credible information that a component, system, or service might be targeted by adversaries. This theme explores the national security implications of a vulnerable supply chains and what suggestions techUK members have to strengthen critical supply chains within the UK.
Friday: Looking ahead in national security –To wrap up the week, we ask members for submissions focusing on looking ahead at emerging threats in the coming years. What national security threat could we tackle through the power of technology before it is even in the spotlight? How can the UK keep ahead of the curve by developing new intelligence and security capabilities through innovative technologies as old ones become outdated and compromised. What are those emerging technologies that are leading this change? We would love to hear your views.
How to contribute (including key dates)
All techUK members and stakeholders can submit one contribution by the 12 January 2024. We welcome a variety of formats so that you can decide what would best fit your company. Here is what you can submit and some guidelines:
Blogs
These will be published on our website as an insight page.
- Between 600 – 1,000 words long
- Can include images, infographics and videos/vlogs (see below guidelines about submitting vlogs)
- Add links throughout your text
- Download our blog submission form here (instructions here), fill it in and submit.
Vlogs
These will be published on our website as an insight page.
- Between 3 to 6 minutes
- YouTube link or MP4 file
- Title for the video and any intro text
- Examples: #1
Video Statements
These will be published on our social media channels primarily and spotlighted on our campaign week page.
- Create a 30 to 90 seconds (max 2min) speaking to camera video, responding/expanding to 1 of the following questions/topics:
- Have you got a good story to tell about how your organisation is helping to strengthen UK national security, or what threats the UK is currently facing?
- Are you developing an industry-leading perspective in a particular national security technology?
- Or do you have some solutions about how we can improve understanding of national security risks or anticipate and tackle large-scale threats?
- Email us your video through https://wetransfer.com/. Instructions here.
- Examples: #1 , #2
Written Q&A
These will be published on our social media channels primarily and spotlighted on our campaign week page. Send us your answers to the following questions:
- Have you got a good story to tell about how your organisation is helping to strengthen UK national security, or what threats the UK is currently facing?
- Are you developing an industry-leading perspective in a particular national security technology?
- Or do you have some solutions about how we can improve understanding of national security risks or anticipate and tackle large-scale threats?
*For all submitted content, we require a headshot of each author, and the logo(s) of your organisation/company, so please ensure this is sent [email protected] alongside all material.
All content must be submitted by 12 January 2024. Content that is submitted after the deadline may not get social promotion which is crucial to increase visibility of the submitted work.
If you have any queries or require any further information please don’t hesitate to get in touch – [email protected]
Raya Tsolova
Raya Tsolova is a Programme Manager at techUK.
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