How SD Can Leverage its Cybersecurity Strength

Combs: “The alignment of industry, government and education is one-of-a-kind and it makes San Diego the premier location for cybersecurity businesses.”

SAN DIEGO—The growth of cybersecurity is outpacing the attraction and development of talent in the San Diego region that fits the needs of cybersecurity companies, CBRE ‘s research manager Michael Combs tells GlobeSt.com. A new economic-impact analysis and workforce study on cybersecurity in San Diego by the Cyber Center of Excellence—powered by San Diego Regional EDC , CBRE Research and BW Research Partnership —reveals the strong economic impact of the cybersecurity industry to San Diego’s growth. San Diego’s entrepreneurial environment has fostered startups to multinational companies in cybersecurity, software development, information technology , communications and defense. The ecosystem includes incubators, financiers, experienced service providers and non-profits that support more than 100 firms focused exclusively on cybersecurity. In addition, the proximity of research- and-development facilities to Northern Mexico’s manufacturing hubs allows for the development of quick-to-market products, and industry leaders Qualcomm, ESET, ViaSat, iboss and Northrop Grumman call San Diego home. We spoke exclusively with Combs about San Diego’s position in cybersecurity and how the market can benefit from it. GlobeSt.com: How San Diego can capitalize on its strong position with cybersecurity? Combs: San Diego has the assets and infrastructure that make it an attractive place to continue to grow the cybersecurity industry. The biggest challenge going forward will be addressing the talent challenges facing employers in the region. Recent studies and polls have shown that San Diego is a highly attractive place for top talent. However, the growth of the industry is outpacing the attraction and development of talent in the region that fits the needs of cybersecurity companies. While this talent problem is not unique to the local market, San Diego is uniquely suited to address the challenge through the region’s outstanding universities, community colleges, code academies and extension programs. The region has already developed dedicated cybersecurity programs at several regional universities. There also remains opportunities for further certificate programs at the region’s community college and university extensions. GlobeSt.com: What’s the next step for companies that are involved with cybersecurity or want to be? Combs: For existing cybersecurity companies, it is important for them to engage with key regional assets including higher education, global trade organizations and other key industries. In order for universities and extension programs to develop adequate curriculum, they will need cybersecurity companies at the table providing input. Cybersecurity companies also have to get engaged with universities to develop more internships for talented computer-science and engineering students. It is well-known that San Diego loses a large number of high-level talent that was developed by the region’s universities to other markets and tech-related industries within San Diego. Getting students involved in cybersecurity internships will allow employers to engage students early on, provide technical training, and raise awareness of the exciting things happening in cybersecurity. There are also untapped opportunities for companies to engage with other clusters in the San Diego region, in order to help secure their critical infrastructure and grow their customer base. These include biotech and health firms that store critical intellectual property and patient data, but also financial and consumer services companies that need to protect sensitive information. Many of these companies are branches or subsidiaries of very large global companies, so accessing these companies locally could vastly expand the customer base for local companies. GlobeSt.com: How can they begin to advance globally? Combs: In order to advance the industry globally, it will be important for cybersecurity employers to work with trade organizations like San Diego Regional EDC and World Trade Center San Diego . These organizations are working together not only to promote San Diego companies in key global markets, but also to try to develop strategic connections within the region’s top export and foreign direct investment markets. There are also programs like the Metro Connect Prize that award financial assistance to growing firms looking to expand their operations globally. These organizations and programs can both raise awareness of the cybersecurity prowess in San Diego, as well as provide companies in the industry with the hands-on assistance to begin exporting their products and service around the world. GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about this topic? Combs: Many of the challenges facing cybersecurity employers in San Diego are also facing employers around the nation and globe. The industry is evolving rapidly and our traditional workforce development structure has been slow to adjust, but San Diego has been on the forefront of addressing these and other issues. Organizations like San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence, CyberTech, Securing our eCity, CONNECT and Tech San Diego are assets in the region that no other market has. The alignment of industry, government and education is one-of-a-kind and it makes San Diego the premier location for cybersecurity businesses.