Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) is a multi-stakeholder platform established in 2015 to strengthen global cyber capacity and expertise through international collaboration. Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, GFCE serves as a global forum for countries, international organizations, and private companies to exchange best practices and expertise in cyber capacity building. Its mission is to identify successful policies, practices, and ideas, amplifying them on a global scale. GFCE collaborates with partners from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the technical community, and academia to develop practical initiatives aimed at building cyber capacity worldwide.

Mission and Vision

GFCE's mission is to enable every citizen to fully benefit from information and communication technologies (ICT) through a free, open, peaceful, and secure digital world. The organization aims to strengthen cyber capacity and expertise globally by facilitating international collaboration and cooperation. Its vision is to be a pragmatic, action-oriented, and flexible forum that coordinates regional and global cyber capacity projects and initiatives, shares knowledge and expertise, and matches individual needs for cyber capacities to offers of support from the community.

Primary Area of Focus

GFCE focuses on cyber capacity building, which involves developing skills and capacities to address threats and vulnerabilities arising from cyberspace. The organization structures its work around five key themes identified in the Delhi Communiqué:

Cyber Security Policy and Strategy

Cyber Incident Management and Critical Infrastructure Protection

Cybercrime

Cyber Security Culture and Skills

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

Industry Significance

As a leading international platform for cyber capacity building, GFCE plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts to enhance global cyber resilience. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, GFCE contributes to the development of effective cyber policies, strategies, and practices, thereby strengthening the overall security and stability of cyberspace.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Coordination of Cyber Capacity Projects: GFCE aims to coordinate regional and global cyber capacity projects and initiatives to avoid duplication and ensure efficient use of resources.

Knowledge Sharing: The organization focuses on sharing knowledge and expertise by recommending tools and publications, thereby promoting best practices in cyber capacity building.

Matching Needs and Offers: GFCE serves as a clearinghouse, matching individual needs for cyber capacities to offers of support from the community.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Cyber Security Policy and Strategy: Developing and implementing effective cyber security policies and strategies.

Cyber Incident Management and Critical Infrastructure Protection: Enhancing capabilities to manage cyber incidents and protect critical infrastructure.

Cybercrime: Addressing challenges related to cybercrime through collaborative efforts.

Cyber Security Culture and Skills: Promoting a culture of cyber security and developing necessary skills among stakeholders.

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing and strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks to support cyber security initiatives.

Key Technologies Utilized

GFCE leverages a range of technologies to facilitate its initiatives, including:

Cybersecurity Tools: Utilizing advanced tools for threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability assessment.

Collaboration Platforms: Employing secure platforms for information sharing and coordination among stakeholders.

Training and Simulation Software: Using specialized software for training programs and cyber incident simulations.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

GFCE primarily targets:

Developing Countries: Assisting nations in building foundational cyber capacities.

Emerging Economies: Supporting economies in enhancing their cyber resilience to foster digital growth.

Global Community: Facilitating international collaboration to address global cyber challenges.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a non-profit organization, GFCE's funding primarily comes from:

Member Contributions: Financial support from member countries and organizations.

Donor Funding: Grants and donations from international organizations and foundations.

Partnerships: Collaborations with private sector entities and academic institutions.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Detailed information about recent funding rounds is not publicly available.

Notable Investors

GFCE's funding sources include:

Governments: Various member states contribute to GFCE's funding.

International Organizations: Entities such as the United Nations and the European Union.

Private Sector: Companies and industry leaders involved in cyber security.

Intended Utilization of Capital

GFCE utilizes its funding to:

Organize Events and Conferences: Facilitating global and regional meetings to discuss cyber capacity building.

Develop Initiatives and Programs: Creating and implementing programs to enhance cyber resilience.

Conduct Research: Producing reports and studies to inform cyber capacity building strategies.

Provide Training and Resources: Offering educational materials and training sessions for stakeholders.

Pipeline Development

As a coordinating platform, GFCE does not develop products or services in the traditional sense. Instead, it focuses on:

Initiating Collaborative Projects: Bringing together stakeholders to work on specific cyber capacity building projects.

Facilitating Research and Development: Encouraging the development of new tools, policies, and strategies through collaborative efforts.

Monitoring and Evaluating Initiatives: Assessing the effectiveness of cyber capacity building initiatives and identifying areas for improvement.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

GFCE does not develop proprietary technologies but collaborates with members and partners to utilize existing technologies effectively.

Significant Scientific Methods

Collaborative Research: Engaging in joint research efforts to address cyber capacity building challenges.

Needs Assessment Surveys: Conducting surveys to identify the specific cyber capacity needs of different regions and countries.

Best Practice Development: Creating and disseminating best practices for cyber security and capacity building.

AI-Driven Capabilities

GFCE leverages AI-driven tools for:

Threat Intelligence Sharing: Disseminating information about emerging cyber threats.

Incident Response Coordination: Facilitating rapid response to cyber incidents through automated systems.

Training Simulations: Providing realistic cyber attack simulations for training purposes.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Christopher Painter: President of the GFCE Foundation Board, responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction.

Inge Bryan: Secretary of the GFCE Foundation Board, handling organizational governance and communications.

Olaf Kolkman: Treasurer of the GFCE Foundation Board, managing financial oversight and resource allocation.

Professional Backgrounds

Christopher Painter: Former Coordinator for Cyber Issues at the U.S. Department of State, with extensive experience in international cyber diplomacy.

Inge Bryan: Experienced in international relations and organizational management, with a focus on cyber security initiatives.

Olaf Kolkman: Specializes in internet infrastructure and governance, with a background in technical and policy aspects of cyber security.

Key Contributions

Christopher Painter: Instrumental in establishing GFCE and fostering international collaboration on cyber capacity building.

Inge Bryan: Played a pivotal role in developing GFCE's governance structures and facilitating member engagement.

Olaf Kolkman: Contributed to GFCE's financial strategies and resource management, ensuring sustainable operations.

Leadership Changes

As of January 2026, there have been no publicly disclosed significant changes or appointments within GFCE's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global cyber capacity building market is characterized by increasing demand for international collaboration to address cyber threats. GFCE operates in a space with several key players, including: