§ 25-26-304 — Areas of collaboration

The Arkansas Cyber Initiative may: (1) Identify specific areas where scientific research and innovation may contribute to the creation and growth of knowledge-based and high-technology cyber jobs in Arkansas; (2) Determine specific areas in which financial investment and engagement from government agencies or private businesses located in Arkansas could be enhanced or increased if resources were made available to assist in developing a robust cybersecurity infrastructure; (3) Advise universities of the cyber-related talent needs of Arkansas businesses; (4) Improve the exchange of innovation and workforce collaboration for the mutual benefit of universities, government agencies, and private businesses; (5) Encourage collaborations between private businesses or private business sector representatives and universities in the areas of research identified by the alliance; (6) Recommend government investments in cyber infrastructure for the reduction of cyber risks and enhancement of economic development opportunities; (7) Hold an annual cyber summit to engage corporate leadership and academia; (8) Facilitate economic development activities relating to cybersecurity; (9) Pursue funding from public and private sources to facilitate the work of the initiative; (10) Facilitate outreach to rural communities and municipalities; and (11) Provide operational cyber support for government agencies and private business located in Arkansas by: (A) Implementing enhanced cyber-threat assessment and mitigation capability at unclassified and classified levels; (B) Assessing the cyber networks and infrastructure of this state; (C) Providing best practices and professional development training for people employed in cybersecurity; (D) Assisting with responses to critical cyber incidents in this state; (E) Developing uncleared and cleared apprenticeship programs related to cybersecurity; and (F) Fostering collaboration with the State Cyber Security Office for the ongoing improvement of cybersecurity efforts across government entities.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2019, No. 1085,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.