Methods to manage the evolution of security threats worldwide
The ever-changing and evolving nature of security threats across the world points to the need for better and more adapted solutions. The EU-funded project ETTIS (ETTIS - European security trends and threats in society) reconceptualised key security policy elements and provided tools to foster societal security in Europe. More precisely, it presented an operational concept of security to support decision-makers and end users. It expanded the concept of innovation in societal security, based on the rate of change and type of concerns. Finally, it provided a set of tools and methodologies as well as a research agenda to assist researchers and policymakers in the context of security. Project researchers developed a method to identify research priorities and an agenda on societal security, with potential far-reaching positive socioeconomic effects. The whole process underlines the diverse nature of security threats and the range of adaptable solutions to address these highly dynamic challenges. Developments on possible threats and solutions need to be constantly re-examined and placed in the context of current challenges and solutions as well as long-term research endeavours. ETTIS researchers emphasised that generalised planning should be restructured with bottom-up mechanisms to define research and innovation (R&I). To enhance adaptability of the whole R&I programming cycle, monitoring and learning activities were integrated, supported by understanding-oriented research and future anticipation. Finally, the team highlighted foresight as an essential tool to signal at early stages potential socioeconomic impact. The project shared information on its activities through various channels, including the ETTIS website, to directly communicate with stakeholders, and a scenario video. In addition, two conferences were organised – one in Dublin, which coincided with the Irish Presidency of the European Council, and one in Brussels. These dynamic conferences proved to be useful in terms of exchange of information, validation and improvements of outputs, and for the creation of networks for future interactions and collaborations. Project findings and outcomes were also disseminated through articles published in peer-reviewed publications, three policy briefs and a magazine article in Europe in Review 2014, all available through the project website. Research results were translated into general and more specific policy recommendations. These focus on the critical stages of agenda setting or are addressed to those involved in challenge-oriented social security R&I programmes. This allowed reaching a larger and more diverse audience.
Keywords
Security threats, policy recommendations, ETTIS, societal security, research and innovation
