In this exclusive op-ed for The Manufacturer, Joe Pacitti, Managing Director of Scotland’s Centre for Engineering Education and Development (CeeD), argues that as digital transformation in manufacturing increases cyber security risks, collaborative, community-based approaches—like those led by CeeD—are essential to turning cyber security from a vulnerability into a strategic advantage.
The manufacturing sector faces a stark reality: the technologies driving productivity are simultaneously creating cyber security vulnerabilities. Manufacturing accounts for 25% of UK cyber attacks, with the average ransomware attack costing £1.5m. As the sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, creating collaborative approaches to security has become essential, with peer-to-peer knowledge sharing emerging as a powerful strategy against increasingly sophisticated threats.
The digital double-edged sword
The integration of Information Technology and Operational Technology, alongside AI advancements, has unlocked remarkable efficiencies across manufacturing. However, this convergence has expanded the attack surface for cyber threats. Each digital connection represents a potential entry point for cyber criminals.
When manufacturing operations are compromised, production halts, customer trust evaporates, and reputations suffer lasting damage. The consequences extend far beyond immediate financial losses, affecting stakeholder confidence and long-term business viability.
The power of communities of practice
Traditional approaches to cyber security often focus on technical solutions implemented within individual organisations. Yet the interconnected nature of modern manufacturing demands more collaborative strategies. Communities of Practice- groups of companies facing similar challenges who share knowledge and solutions – have demonstrated particular effectiveness in addressing cyber security threats.
Scotland’s Centre for Engineering Education and Development (CeeD), a national membership organisation connecting academia, industry, and government, has pioneered this approach through its recent cyber security initiatives. CeeD’s model creates trusted forums where organisations can openly share challenges and solutions – something previously considered risky in cyber security contexts.
This framework, recently demonstrated through a Scottish Government-supported programme, delivers results through several mechanisms. The model facilitates peer-to-peer knowledge exchange between companies facing similar threats while building networks of trust where sensitive security information can be shared confidentially. Instead of one-off initiatives, ongoing dialogues sustain progress and accelerate the implementation of best practices through collective learning.
A vision for Scotland’s manufacturing
This approach opens the compelling possibility of Scotland becoming home to the world’s most cyber secure manufacturing supply chain.
A reputation for cyber security excellence would create a competitive advantage for Scottish manufacturers globally and make Scotland an attractive destination for investment, potentially revitalising its manufacturing base with advanced technologies.
Collaborative approaches for manufacturers
Several effective approaches have emerged for manufacturing companies looking to strengthen their approach to cyber security through collaboration. Companies should consider joining established communities of practice that provide frameworks for collaborative security with structured knowledge-sharing and established trust protocols.
Before collaboration can be truly effective, organisations should implement fundamental security measures. These include network segmentation between IT and OT systems, structured patch management processes, robust security protocols for AI systems, comprehensive staff cyber security training, and tested incident response plans.
Creating cross-industry connections is equally important. Manufacturers benefit from engaging with technology companies from other sectors like financial services, as these providers often bring fresh perspectives and adaptable solutions.
The community model works only when participants both give and receive. Companies must be prepared to share their organisation’s challenges and successes, recognising that the collective knowledge gained will far outweigh any perceived competitive disadvantage.
Manufacturing leaders should also think beyond individual security to consider their entire supply ecosystem. Tomorrow’s manufacturing winners will be those who can guarantee not just their own security but that of their entire supply chain. Collaborative approaches allow smaller manufacturers to develop capabilities that would otherwise be unattainable.
Cyber security – from a vulnerability to a strategic advantage
As digital transformation accelerates, the challenges of legacy systems, skill gaps, and evolving threats demand more than isolated technical solutions – they require sustained collaboration.
The community-based approach demonstrated by organisations like CeeD shows that with the right combination of private sector knowledge-sharing and government support, Scottish manufacturing can transform cyber security from a vulnerability into a strategic advantage.
About the author
Joe Pacitti is the Managing Director of Scotland’s Centre for Engineering Education and Development (CeeD). This article is based on insights from recent cyber security initiatives in the Scottish manufacturing sector.
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