Strengthening security networks for a safer Europe
Building on the experience of previous security research initiatives, the EU-funded CRESCENDO project aimed to strengthen the security network created by those initiatives and to expand its activities. Project partners grew a security network made up of public stakeholders, industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), academia and think tanks of the EU-27, particularly New Member States and Associated Countries. In this context of network reinforcement, the team held nine workshops, which comprised part of a broader consultation process with the enlarged community. The workshops concentrated not only on research but also on innovation. In particular, the aim was to obtain a national security assessment by gathering input and making consensus recommendations. In addition to sharing thoughts and ideas, the objective was to gain a better knowledge of the local situation in EU New Member States and Associated Countries. Project members analysed the evolution of security market threats and assessed risks. They mapped regulations and standardisation issues in order to develop harmonised and well-defined laws, policies and standards across the EU. Recommendations were made to improve links between academia, industry, SMEs and the service sector. In addition, an optimal structure for the security supply chain was identified. A strategic R&D roadmap aimed at supporting various key stakeholders in preparing European and national research programmes was produced. Lastly, recommendations were made for future programmes and for continued networking and dialogue between all stakeholders. CRESCENDO reinforced the existing major security networks and proposed a way forward to render them sustainable. Project outcomes bode well for the strategic development and competitiveness of the European security sector.
Keywords
Security networks, security research, security assessment, R&D roadmap
