Germany, Howard County Sign Agreement For Cybersecurity Exchange

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) and Cyber-Sicherheitsrat Deutschland e.V (CSD) will sign a memorandum of understanding March 26 that establishes a cybersecurity exchange platform between U.S. and German industry, academia and government.

CSD, referred to as the German Cyber Security Council in English, was established to support German businesses, government agencies and political decision-makers in their efforts against cybercrime. The Berlin-based council is the primary convener of these parties within the German cybersecurity ecosystem. This exchange platform will be the first of its kind for CSD in the U.S.

The cybersecurity exchange platform between HCEDA and CSD will act as an interface between U.S. and German businesses and organizations to facilitate greater inter-country collaboration. It includes the continuation of an exchange program involving companies and delegations from both regions. The platform will also provide ongoing assistance and cooperation to support investment and trade activities in both the U.S. and Germany.

“The MOU between HCEDA and CSD establishes a key relationship between the Howard County and German cybersecurity markets," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. "This partnership is a significant step forward in connecting the Howard County business community to the world and establishing a pathway for German companies to expand into the region."

The MOU will position Howard County as an entry point for German cybersecurity firms. CSD has licensed a space at HCEDA’s new Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) in Columbia Gateway to support German companies entering the US market. The exchange platform also provides support to local firms looking to enter the German market.

The Maryland Department of Commerce provided key support in the effort to facilitate the partnership with between HCEDA and CSD. This support included the assignment of several international business experts to assist with HCEDA outreach in Germany.

“This is exciting news for Maryland and Howard County as we continue to increase our global partnerships that focus on attracting cybersecurity companies to our state,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “With our highly-educated workforce, critical mass of information technology companies, and proximity to many key federal agencies, Maryland is an outstanding location for international cyber companies that want to enter the U.S. market.”