How do you strengthen collaboration between knowledge institutions and organisations in the field of digital security? Mariska de Roo, business developer at the University of Twente, works with colleagues from Saxion and Aventus to develop innovative solutions. Read how she unites various parties through the CVD to tackle digital challenges.
Name, role, and age:
Mariska de Roo
Business Developer, Digital Society Institute, University of Twente
36 years old
Which organisation(s) do you work for?
I work for the University of Twente within the Digital Society Institute research institute, collaborating with Saxion and Aventus as part of the strategic account management team for the CVD.
What does your role involve at the intersection of security and digitisation?
My focus is on developing collaboration between public and private partners and the University of Twente. This primarily takes the form of joint research projects or professional training programmes. At the CVD, Saxion, Aventus, and the University of Twente (Eline Bleijswijk, Frouke Zieleman, and I) have been collaborating in a strategic account management team. Together, we engage with partners such as the East Netherlands Police Unit, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Achmea, the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, the Netherlands’ Cadastre, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The CVD is a network organisation where knowledge institutions and organisations come together to address pressing issues, often realising that we still lack sufficient answers for a safe digital Netherlands. What are the complex challenges at the crossroads of security and digitalisation facing organisations? What trends are they encountering? What topics and issues play a role? What are their needs? Which parts of the organisation or which target groups require attention?
Our role is to facilitate connections and articulate these needs by bringing experts from our organisations (lecturers, researchers) to the table to identify where we can begin. Working jointly as Saxion, Aventus, and UT is pioneering work, but it is incredibly valuable. Where can we pool our strengths at the CVD? Who possesses which expertise? How can different activities complement one another? How can we facilitate knowledge sharing between organisations? I see many opportunities, and much remains to be done, such as shaping strategic partnerships further. It starts with connecting and initiating activities together. The next step is securing shared ambitions and long-term commitments at the organisational level to enable ongoing collaboration and development.
Building partnerships involves more than just clarifying substantive questions and initiating activities; it also requires managing the process. Collaboration doesn’t happen automatically. Defining expectations and interests, and revisiting these regularly, is essential. It may seem simple upfront but often proves more challenging in practice. This is where my passion lies.
A notable achievement by the UT within the CVD
One great result of the UT’s involvement in the CVD is the Digital Transformation programme. Since its launch in 2020, it has trained 270 professionals from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, Achmea, and the Netherlands’ Cadastre, and recently even participants from the East Netherlands Police Unit. We are now revisiting this programme; after four years, the needs have evolved, and it’s time to reassess our focus and shared goals.
Currently, we are also working on new research projects with the Cadastre, Achmea, and the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration. This has led to multiple vacancies for young talent: PhD candidates and Engineering Doctorates (practical researchers), who will collaborate both on-site at these organisations and within the UT. They will also contribute to the CVD, sharing insights and further developing the community.
What is the most surprising and innovative project you’re working on right now?
On Friday, 13 December, I am organising a try-out workshop called "AI for Dummies" at the CVD in collaboration with UT lecturer Matthias de Visser. AI applications are everywhere, yet many professionals struggle to envision how AI will transform their work. This mini-workshop introduces participants to the main types of AI, provides inspiration through intriguing examples, and allows them to create their own AI model. Naturally, we’ll also discuss the (security) risks of AI. The workshop is aimed at professionals without technical knowledge of AI and is open to all organisations. Participation is free of charge. I’m curious to see who signs up and what their needs are. I’m also enthusiastic about developing new activities this way: demand-driven and flexible. It aligns well with the CVD.
What is your top tip for improving safety and digital security at home?
Use a password manager to generate secure passwords and store them safely. 'Enpass' works well. There’s a free version that’s excellent and also available as an app for your phone. Just create one very complex password and don’t forget it! 😉
About the CVD
The Centre for Security and Digitalisation (CVD) addresses key challenges in digitalisation and security. It brings together knowledge institutions, businesses, and government organisations to collaborate on research and education in digital safety. The CVD supports professional development and research, with the University of Twente as one of its founding partners.
