Super synergies boost security
Globalisation is bringing with it many benefits to the world and to Europe, but it is also allowing security threats to traverse borders more easily. As security concerns grow, the EU is looking for ways to boost security technology in terms of products and expertise. Against this backdrop, the EU-funded project Securechains worked on strengthening the field of security in several ways. The project brought together government stakeholders, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industry to tackle security issues related to citizens, infrastructure, utilities and borders, in addition to enhancing safety and security during crises. It upgraded the security technology supply chain from developers to end users, and from civil security innovations to defence technologies, in a radically more integrated approach. To achieve its aims, the project mapped the current security supply chains and identified opportunities to enhance them. It helped build research and development capabilities in the field and established an open online platform to exchange knowledge about security technology management, regulation, policy and forecasting. Securechains has raised awareness on its drive among 2 500 businesses and other stakeholders regarding collaboration and funding opportunities. It developed a technology screening mechanism to identify weak spots in security supply chains and outlined challenges for SME participation in EU research and development programmes. A key project achievement was the screening of the best 20 research and development proposals of relevant businesses, which is set to further the security field considerably. The project team also provided guidance and technical assistance to stakeholders, particularly SMEs, in order to increase their participation in EU projects. Dissemination of project results was achieved through trade fairs, forums, workshops and company visits, strongly linking technology providers and users in the field of high-tech security. The project has effectively brought the best intellectual and technological capabilities available throughout Europe in the field of security. This will have a considerable impact on fostering safety and security across the continent.
