Safeguarding essential infrastructure
Protection of critical infrastructures (CIs) is an important security issue for both the EU and its Member States. Hence, the European Commission issued a Directive fostering implementation of necessary measures across Europe. The EU-funded project CIPRNET (Critical infrastructure preparedness and resilience research network) promotes a network of excellence in critical infrastructure protection (CIP). The 12-member consortium also enhances resilience of CIs by improving understanding of the consequences of disruption. A major aim is to provide support from CI researchers to stakeholders, including emergency responders and governments, regarding such consequences. The project will also develop a set of new analysis tools and support capabilities for national and multinational emergency management. In order to consolidate the capabilities, a virtual centre of competence and expertise in CIP will be developed. The four-year undertaking closes in early 2017. A kick-off meeting in early 2013 established the project's governing boards and committees, which provided relevant input, including ethical and legal standards. Researchers collected diverse information concerning available CIP methods and data sources, forming a database for a resource integration strategy. Next, team members questioned stakeholders about their requirements for the proposed new capabilities. Results were evaluated and summarised. The consortium specified the conceptual architecture and technical requirements for its 'what if' analysis and simulation capability. Work involved defining and documenting a pertinent multi-nation cross-border emergency scenario. Relevant data were incorporated into a geographic information system. A decision-support system was similarly defined and documented. Its key elements include threat forecasting and consequence analysis. Project work has yielded two edited books, several peer-reviewed journal papers and four issues of a CIP newsletter. Other outcomes include the organisation of conferences and other gatherings, plus training events. The CIPRNET project has developed new capabilities in cross-border emergency management and preparedness. That will mean shorter interruption to CIs and reduced follow-on social effects.
Keywords
Cross-border emergencies, critical infrastructures, research network, critical infrastructure protection
