Erik Silfversten

Research Leader and Co-Director, RAND Europe Centre for Futures and Foresight Studies (CFFS)
Cambridge Office

Education

M.Sci. in international relations and global issues, University of Nottingham

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact RAND Europe Media Relations at +44 (1223) 353 329, x2560, or email europeanmedia@rand.org.

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Overview

Erik Silfversten is a research leader at RAND Europe and co-director of the RAND Europe Centre for Futures and Foresight Studies (CFFS). He works at the intersection of technology, policy and the future and his primary research interests are complex, strategic policy challenges in relation to cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Silfversten has extensive experience in futures and foresight research including horizon scanning, trends analysis, scenario development and analysis, technology impact analysis, and systems analysis. In his role at CFFS, he is responsible for the operations and development of the Centre.

He has delivered a wide range of interdisciplinary research projects to senior decision makers, including for the UK Ministry of Defence, the European Defence Agency, the European Cybersecurity Agency (ENISA), the European Border Security and Coast Guard (Frontex), the European Commission, NATO and others. He is also an experienced communicator with a focus on explaining technology issues and their impact in complex and uncertain environments. His work has been covered in Forbes, Wired, the Huffington Post, the British Medical Journal and others.

Prior to joining RAND, Silfversten held the position of manager for policy and strategic development at IMPACT, the cybersecurity partner of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He holds an M.Sci. (Hons) in International relations and global issues from the University of Nottingham.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

  • Economics of Vulnerability Disclosure
  • The Future of Cybercrime
  • AI-Based capabilities for the European Coast Guard and Border Security

Honors & Awards

  • 2019 RAND Europe President's Award for conducting objective and high-quality research
  • 2018 RAND Europe President's Award for helping to facilitate impact and making a difference in our work
  • 2017 RAND Europe President's Award for conducting objective and high-quality research

Languages

English; Swedish

Commentary

  • Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, February 9, 2018

    Why the 2018 Winter Olympics Are the Perfect Storm for Cyberattacks

    The Olympic Games could invite the most severe cyber threats to a major sporting event in recent years. The location of the games and increased connectivity, both among the public and infrastructure, make them a prime target for cyberattacks.

    Feb 12, 2018 Wired UK

  • Autonomous vehicles on a highway

    Ensuring Cybersecurity Is Vital for a Driverless Future

    High-profile accidents involving autonomous vehicles (AVs) have led to recent discussions about the physical safety of people. However, it could be argued that consumers and manufacturers should be equally, if not more, concerned about the potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities in AVs.

    Feb 12, 2018 Public Technology

  • A child poses with a Lego Boost set, a predicted top seller this Christmas, at the Hamleys toy store in London, Britain, October 12, 2017

    A Smart Toy Could Have Personal Details for Life, Not Just for Christmas

    Parents shouldn't avoid buying smart toys during the holidays, particularly if these devices top children's Christmas lists. But parents should definitely be wary of the security and privacy risks that smart toys can pose.

    Dec 21, 2017 The RAND Blog

  • Criminal hiding behind a mask on computer screen asking the owner for money

    The WannaCry Cyber Attack Could Be the First of Many If the NHS Takes No Action

    In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) was one of the organizations most severely affected by the WannaCry ransomware. The NHS and other public sector organizations need to improve their cybersecurity processes and quickly before a more severe cyber attack takes place.

    Dec 1, 2017 The BMJ

Publications