How SD Can Leverage its Cybersecurity Strength

Combs: “The alignment of industry, government and education is one-of-a-kind and it makes San Diego the premier location for cybersecurity businesses.”

SAN DIEGO—The growth of cybersecurity is outpacing the attraction and development of talent in the San Diego region that fits the needs of cybersecurity companies, CBRE’s research manager Michael Combs tells GlobeSt.com. A new economic-impact analysis and workforce study on cybersecurity in San Diego by the Cyber Center of Excellence—powered by San Diego Regional EDC, CBRE Research and BW Research Partnership—reveals the strong economic impact of the cybersecurity industry to San Diego’s growth. San Diego’s entrepreneurial environment has fostered startups to multinational companies in cybersecurity, software development, information technology, communications and defense. The ecosystem includes incubators, financiers, experienced service providers and non-profits that support more than 100 firms focused exclusively on cybersecurity. In addition, the proximity of research- and-development facilities to Northern Mexico’s manufacturing hubs allows for the development of quick-to-market products, and industry leaders Qualcomm, ESET, ViaSat, iboss and Northrop Grumman call San Diego home.

We spoke exclusively with Combs about San Diego’s position in cybersecurity and how the market can benefit from it.