Skills gaps and workforce challenges in information and cyber security: Insights from Slovenia

Authors

  • Andreja Markun Telekom Slovenije d.d.
  • Alenka Brezavšček Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za organizacijske vede

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31449/upinf.260

Keywords:

competencies, workforce development, information security, cyber security, digital resilience, Slovenian economy

Abstract

In the age of rapidly advancing digitalisation, the issue of workforce skills and the availability of appropriately trained and qualified information and cyber security professionals is becoming increasingly important for the long-term digital resilience of organisations. This paper presents the results of a recent study conducted among Slovenian organisations. The research reveals significant skill gaps in the area of information and cyber security, with the lack of qualified professionals in the labour market seen as the main obstacle. It was found that companies which integrate security into their strategic objectives recognise staff development needs earlier, plan training proactively, and build a skill base more systematically. Initial effects of the changes to the ZInfV-1 and NIS2 legal frameworks were also observed, particularly in the form of increased investment in training and collaboration with external providers. The paper provides an empirical basis for the development of systemic measures and supports strategic workforce planning for effective digital risk management in Slovenia.

Author Biographies

  • Andreja Markun, Telekom Slovenije d.d.

    Andreja Markun je magistrica organizatorka informatičarka, zaposlena na področju informacijske varnosti. V svoji raziskavi se ukvarja s sistemskimi pristopi k razvoju kibernetskih kompetenc, vplivom regulative na kadrovske ukrepe ter dolgoročno odpornostjo organizacij v digitalnem okolju.

  • Alenka Brezavšček, Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za organizacijske vede

    Alenka Brezavšček je izredna profesorica na Fakulteti za organizacijske vede Univerze v Mariboru, predstojnica Katedre za metodologijo. Doktorirala je na področju integralnega upravljanja kakovosti. Njeno raziskovalno delo vključuje operacijske raziskave, stohastične procese, zanesljivost in razpoložljivost sistemov, optimizacijo vzdrževanja ter informacijsko in kibernetsko varnost

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Published

2025-09-25

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 3 (2025): Uporabna informatika

Section

Scientific articles

How to Cite

[1]
2025. Skills gaps and workforce challenges in information and cyber security: Insights from Slovenia. Applied Informatics. 33, 3 (Sept. 2025). DOI:https://doi.org/10.31449/upinf.260.