This ScotlandIS round-table event invites members to discuss key challenges within public sector procurement. Laurie Brown, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the Scottish Government, will lead the discussion, providing strategic insights on cyber security governance, risk management, and compliance.

The session aims to foster an open dialogue about the barriers that suppliers face when bidding for and delivering services for public sector projects.

• Insight Sharing: Laurie Brown will share insights into the Scottish Government’s evolving security approaches and priorities, with a focus on how they impact supply chain partners.
• Identifying Barriers: Laurie and his cyber security colleagues are eager to understand specific barriers that suppliers face when navigating public sector procurement, including those related to bidding, contract compliance, and project delivery.
• Collaborative Solutions: The event will also serve as a forum for participants to propose solutions to these challenges and identify opportunities to enhance collaboration between the public sector and industry.

*This event is exclusively for ScotlandIS members only. Click the ‘Learn More’ link below to book*

The British Embassy in Lisbon is delighted to invite you to our next UK-Portugal Dialogue focusing on opportunities and challenges in the Space sector, and the role of international collaboration.

Attendance is free but registration is required and subject to availability.

• 09:00 Registration and Welcome coffee
• 09:30 Opening session Vieira de Almeida Nigel Boud, British Embassy Lisbon
• 09:40 Setting the Scene Portugal’s priorities and strategy UK’s priorities and strategy
• 10:00 Keynote – Emir Sirage – New Space Portugal
• 10:10 Panel 1 – New Space Economy: Opportunities & Challenges Space technologies provide global connectivity, advanced data analytics, and innovative manufacturing opportunities. This panel will discuss how British and Portuguese companies are taking advantage of the immense opportunities of the new space economy, but also the challenges ahead. Moderated by Carolina Rodrigues, New Space Portugal André Guerra, Connected Joshua Western, Space Forge Ricardo Cabral, Spotlite Bruno Carvalho, Atlantic Spaceport Consortium
• 11:10 Coffee break
• 11:40 Keynote: International Collaboration in the Space sector
• 11:50 Panel 2 – Collaboration between Portugal and the UK International collaboration is essential to drive innovation and strategic investments in the Space sector. Hear from entrepreneurs about their experiences in Portugal and the UK. Moderated by AED Cluster Rafel Jorda Siquier, Open Cosmos Rodrigo Pascoal, Critical Software Pedro Rodrigues, Tekever Ivo Vieira, Lusospace
• 12:50 Closing session Magda Cocco, Vieira de Almeida
• 13:00 Networking Lunch

RSVP by 29th November to join this event in Lisbon.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, reshaping the business landscape and presenting organisations across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors with opportunities beyond our imaginations – as well as challenges we’re only just beginning to understand.

You can lovingly embrace AI or approach it with trepidation, but what you can’t do is ignore it. To stay ahead in this rapidly evolving environment, it’s crucial for senior leaders to understand how AI impacts your world and what it means for your organisation.

Across the world, businesses, public sector organisations, social enterprises and charities are recruiting AI expertise. From marketing assistants to Chief AI Officers and everything in between, as well as on boards and advisory panels, recruiting the right sort of AI knowledge is as challenging as it is crucial.

But how do business leaders even know what sort of expertise they need, far less how to go about finding it?

Don’t know? Don’t worry! ScotlandIS are here to help, along with ScotlandIS member Jump Digital and their International Advisory Board.

We’re hosting an online event to help you take the first steps in learning how AI is rapidly changing the world in which we all operate.

AI expert and digital technology thought leader Bryan Eldridge will present a short introduction to how AI is shaping the world for business leaders, board members and trustees, and the Tech Industry including:

• The Current State of AI and Future Trends
• Practical Applications of AI in Business
• Ethical and Regulatory Considerations
• Strategies for Integrating AI into Your Organisation

This will be followed by a question and answer session with Bryan and a panel of experts.

Click the ‘Learn More’ link below to book your place.

This webinar is an opportunity for those curious about our Digital Critical Friends (DCF) initiative and interested in giving back to the next generation of talent to find out more about the programme and all of the partners involved. 

Outline of the content covered: 

• ScotlandIS – Fiona Thomson from ScotlandIS will give an overview of the history of DCF, including its aims and the role it plays.
• STEM Ambassadors – will discuss who they are and how they help with the process of getting on board as a DCF 
• Tech She Can – will summarise their helpful Tech We Can resources, how they can be accessed, and how they can be utilised in schools 
• Police Scotland – will provide some information around their Cyber Choices Programme 

What you will take away:

An understanding of the Digital Critical Friends programme, how much time/commitment is required and the process associated with becoming a DCF. You will also be inspired to get involved and do your bit in helping to build the future generations of tech talent that our industry vitally needs!

Book your free ticket below – meeting details will be emailed by 10am on the morning of the event. 

Policy development doesn’t have to be scary! Turn your luck around on Friday, December 13 when you join CompTIA’s must-attend webinar for MSPs.

Alex Rutkovitz Spigel, co-founder & COO of Choice Cyber Solutions, will share key insights on writing effective cybersecurity policies to protect your business and guide both your employees and clients in making the right choices.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why you need to develop policies
• How to write security policies that meet business goals and compliance requirements
• What key terms and principles mean to your business
• What elements you need to include in your policies