Research focus: future Operational Technology – cyber security
Marco’s Fellowship research examines the future of Operational Technology (OT), a critical domain for our customers across maritime, defence, infrastructure and autonomous systems. OT is undergoing a profound shift as it converges with IT, transforming the computing, communication and physical layers that underpin operational assets.
His project explores:
- technological transformations shaping next-generation OT,
- new capabilities enabled by convergence (e.g. improved resilience, enhanced data quality, AI-driven functions, edge–cloud integration),
- emerging cyber threats and potential safety risks,
- and the strategic opportunities and mitigations we and our customers must consider.
The goal is to develop guidance, strategic direction and actionable recommendations that help us and our customers prepare for the next wave of OT evolution - ensuring systems are secure, resilient and future-ready.
Why cyber security matters to our customers
Every sector we support - from national security to maritime operations, offshore wind and autonomous platforms - is increasingly shaped by cyber threats. The threat landscape is worsening, with attackers leveraging AI, cloud-scale tooling and soon quantum computing, targeting essential services and critical national infrastructure. Cyber security therefore plays a pivotal role in ensuring we can design, deliver and operate secure-by-design solutions that customers can trust. It also represents a strategic growth area, providing a robust and expanding revenue stream as customers seek guidance and assurance in an unpredictable digital environment.
Collaboration and progress
The research is a team effort involving several cyber specialists across BMT, with planned contributions from data science and AI colleagues. The project is structured across three phases: trend analysis, assessment of challenges/opportunities, and strategic recommendations. Phase 1 is complete, Phase 2 is nearing completion. Next steps include sharing insights with the wider industry, supporting our business units, and using the findings to strengthen customer advisory services.
These insights will shape not only this research, but also how we guide customers through future OT transformation.
How BMT supports customers in this space
Marco emphasises our commitment to independence, technical excellence and the development of diverse cyber talent. To support customers effectively, we must continue to:
- invest in people, processes and skills,
- offer unbiased, trusted advisory services,
- grow a multiskilled cyber workforce,
- and develop secure architectures that withstand modern and emerging cyberattacks.
This commitment helps customers stay ahead of escalating threats, regulatory expectations and technology change.
Why this work matters
For customers, our Fellowship Programme is a clear signal of commitment to technical depth, future insight and thought leadership. It demonstrates that we invest in understanding emerging cyber challenges - helping customers operate with confidence in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Marco’s research equips both us and our customers with the foresight needed to prepare for the technologies and cyber risks that will define the coming decade.
"Future OT is full of opportunity - but only if we understand the risks and prepare now. My work is about giving BMT and our customers the insight to stay ahead of fast-moving cyber threats."
What inspires Marco
Marco is driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to understand how technology, security and business intersect. The digital transformation sweeping across OT and IT sparked his interest in exploring future risks and opportunities - both to strengthen customer solutions and to shape our long-term strategic direction.
For Marco, the Fellowship provides time, resources and community: time for strategic thinking, opportunities to mentor emerging cyber professionals, and the ability to engage in thought leadership events that advance both our capability and the wider industry.
