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Poland uses public sector demand to fuel cybersecurity startup innovation

When we talk about digital governments partnering with the private sector, the likes of Amazon, Microsoft and Google – Big Tech companies – are usually the focus. However, during a recent conversation with this writer, the Ambassador of Poland to Singapore, H.E. Tadeusz Chomicki, offers a different and perhaps more vital perspective on nurturing the startup ecosystem for a more resilient digital government in Europe. 'As they [startups] may not be bounded by big money that is already invested in certain solutions, they can have a fresh approach and look into niches that are skipped by big corporations just because these niches don't make as much money,' he says to GovInsider. His insights underline why creating a supportive ecosystem for smaller players is paramount for not only sparking innovation, but to strengthen the overall cybersecurity posture of Poland and the region. Hitting two birds with one stone The nation's efforts to grow its startup scene are also linked to a strategic push to develop advanced dual-use technologies, which can address both commercial market and national security needs. These technologies include artificial intelligence (AI), quantum and post-quantum cryptography, as well as cloud computing. With cybersecurity top of mind now for governments, Poland's Ministry of Digital Affairs and Armed Forces are working together through a few initiatives to encourage private innovators to collaborate directly with government stakeholders. The collaboration entails testing and refining solutions that enhance both market competitiveness and security of the products. The PWCyber programme, for example, is one government initiative that focuses on one hand, enhancing the competency of the national cybersecurity system, while on the other, providing an opportunity for private sectors to develop, test and implement new solutions for public agencies. Striking a balance between encouraging digitalisation and maintaining security is crucial, says Chomicki. He explaines that Poland has taken this strategic whole-of-ecosystem approach because 'like many other countries, [Poland] recognises that overbearing security measures can hinder technological progress, business competitiveness, and the broader digital transformation of the economy.' Turning to the growth areas in cybersecurity, he highlights four of them with the potential for regional specialisation for the Europe region. These are securing industrial systems with distributed endpoints like Internet of Things (IoT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA); securing software codes, web applications and programming processes; identity verification; and cryptography. To subscribe to the GovInsider bulletin, click here. International partnerships: A fundamental requirement Aside from nurturing the local startup ecosystem, Chomicki points to the need for like-minded nations to collaborate to advance secure AI development and reap the gains together. Cross-border collaboration can centre on developing robust algorithms, ensuring access to verified data for machine learning, and prioritising data security. AI alignment, existential risk mitigation, or responsible use in military contexts must be treated as global commons where cooperation is prioritised over competition, says H.E. Tadeusz Chomicki. Image: Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum He cites Singapore as a model that Poland supports and learns from given its balance of national innovation alongside regional responsibility. Given the rapid proliferation of AI, the complexities of its security, ethics and oversight are also too significant for any single nation to manage alone, he notes. Even amidst the global race to develop frontier AI models, 'certain areas – such as AI alignment, existential risk mitigation, or responsible use in military contexts – must be treated as global commons where cooperation is prioritised over rivalry,' he notes. Read More 8 Lifestyle Business Ideas to Start in 2024 - Chomicki highlights a pressing need for a global oversight body to set shared frameworks, standards, and risk assessment mechanisms that can be applied globally. 'Without common standards, we risk a situation where some countries become so-called 'AI havens' – places with weak regulations and poor oversight. That would undermine global safety efforts. 'A coordinated international approach can help ensure that AI is developed responsibly, with safeguards that protect human rights and promote fairness across borders.' Particularly in high-stakes domains like healthcare, defence and finance, building trust across nations is not optional – it is essential, he highlights. Preventing digital divides from becoming dependences For international partnerships on AI to be truly effective, they need to be just and cannot sideline the Global South and smaller nations, Chomicki shares. This means these countries cannot just be seen as recipients or users of AI systems created by more developed countries, but as partners in shaping how these technologies evolve. Smaller nations can lead in AI sovereignty. Chomicki cites Singapore's publicly funded SEA-LION, which is Southeast Asia's first large language model. Image: AI Singapore For the developed world, it is about 'supporting their ability to build legal frameworks, technical expertise, and digital infrastructure.' 'This approach strengthens global security, reduces inequality, and helps prevent new forms of digital colonialism,' he says. Again, he cites Singapore as a case study in illustrating how smaller nations can lead in AI sovereignty with its publicly funded SEA-LION, which is Southeast Asia's first large language model. 'Singapore shows that sovereign AI can be open, inclusive, and regionally grounded. By combining international collaboration with local strategic control, it sets an example of how sovereignty and openness can coexist,' he notes. Chomicki believes that to speed up the implementation of new technologies, you need 'close collaboration between friendly, like-minded partners.' 'Building trust and security inside community of interests is crucial for building resilience to new hostile threats.' The takeaway from Poland's experience striking a balance between innovation and security? 'Our message is simple: If we build for resilience together, we can innovate faster, safer, and more inclusively.'