Final Report Summary - CRISYS (Critical response in security and safety emergencies)
Executive summary:
The European Union (EU) regularly suffers from natural and manmade disaster, the social and economic consequences of which may adversely affect its growth and competitiveness. There is evidence of growing vulnerability to disasters and subsequently an urgent need to improve the operational capabilities of the Member States. Furthermore, the Lisbon Treaty has enlarged the role of the EU and allows stronger coordinated activities for support to crisis management outside the EU.
Though the EU Civil Protection policy is increasingly targeting the prevention of crisis, these cannot always be avoided and they are affecting citizens with greater frequency.
The CRISYS project aim was to assist the population, environment, economy and, in general, the whole society by helping to achieve better protection and a more rapid return to a reasonable quality of life in the aftermath of a crisis.
The project constituted the first phase of a two-phased research and development (R&D) activity aimed at demonstrating in a real environment the possibility to adopt a scalable and interoperable systems for the European Civil Protection; the phase 1 part of the activity has developed a roadmap for a demonstration project to be undertaken in phase 2, while also creating a wider network of interested stakeholders.
Although most of the main technologies for crisis management are reasonably available, Civil Protection and crisis management are not typical research issues. Key emphasis has therefore given in this project to developing close contact with local and national administrations and first responders to validate what and how to deploy innovative solutions. Accepting that R&D must continuously innovate as threats evolve we have concentrated upon providing insight into existing and developing solutions in a common demonstration environment. One major challenge has been to link approaches, technical solutions, procedures, standards etc. for civil protection to allow for a faster and more appropriate response to natural and man-made threats in EU countries and if needed abroad.
The CRISYS project therefore covers the role that Europe intends to adopt subsequent to the implementation of the new Lisbon Treaty and also considers a stronger civil-military mutual support (technologies, operations).
Project context and objectives:
The CRISYS projects objective was to develop a demonstration action of an integrated and scalable crisis management system capable of providing comprehensive situational awareness to decision makers to ensure a timely, coordinated and effective response to large-scale disasters.
The project aims were to assist the population, environment, economy and, in general, the whole of society by helping achieve better protection and a more rapid return to a reasonable quality of life in the aftermath of a crisis. Key emphasis was given to developing close contact with local and national administrations and first responders to validate what and how to deploy innovative solutions.
Project results:
As part of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for Research, the CRISYS project has over 16 months studied EU emergency aftermath arrangements, with the aim of developing a strategic roadmap capable of full implementation as an integrated and scalable crisis management system. Uniquely this study has considered response inside and outside Europe from the perspective of the end user to capitalise on existing relevant experience and available assets while forging solid networks and wide awareness with crisis management actors, be they first responders, governments, suppliers or other participants within this field.
It is well recognised that the crisis management business process involves multilayered interaction between many actors, each having distinctive responsibilities and all operating within challenging circumstances and time frames. One consequence is that those exercising judgment and making decisions in this complex environment require a resilient yet agile framework that can meet their multiple needs at many different emergency events; events that are sometimes not wholly predictable and may extend from hours to years.
Focused upon these demands the CRISYS team determined to concentrate upon the twin issues of capabilities and domains. This was because a solution framework that could meet these twin demands could be universally applied in practice.
Initially 8 capabilities:
- communications;
- situational awareness;
- command and decision support;
- logistics and resource planning;
- deployment in harsh environments;
- search and rescue, medical care;
- restoration of basic services.
Four domains were also identified:
- operations;
- assets;
- education; and
- information technology communications.
The research has confirmed the relevance of these two foundation principles, adding detail and priority to the domain components. Unsurprisingly, the study has also qualified the absolute integral importance of information, often simply referred to as data, and data communication, which we call the information highway.
In addition to this connective use of information we have consolidated into three distinct sectorial tiers:
- users;
- those having jurisdictional responsibility;
- the command and control leaders-and the technology support used.
Using all of these elements - information, capabilities, domain, and sector - the business architecture of crisis management has then been visualised in one innovative and homogeneous CRISYS concept model.
The CRISYS concept model has at its very centre the use of data and information and this has been translated into a CRISYS operating model. Using these two models a demonstration roadmap has been constructed to allow validation of the proposed concepts, methodologies and solutions within the real physical environment through practical exercises.
Three operational scenarios are suggested each containing different specific requirements. They are:
a) the deployment of resources into a remote rural area, similar to but not replicating humanitarian aid delivery outside Europe;
b) response over an extended duration in a highly urbanised community that experiences partial loss of the critical infrastructure; and
c) a short duration event entailing an aerial toxic release in an urban geographically and politically divided location.
The validation process encompassed by these scenarios is deliberately constructed to permit a variety of solutions to be evaluated using a toolbox approach. Hence, first responders to situational analysts may use different hand tools, or alternative data communication systems might be deployed dependent upon the needs of mobile or static headquarters. Underlying this approach is the desire expressed by study respondents to build up the capacity of components through integration of existing capabilities and enhancing their interoperability rather than by seeking to drive a new singular uniformity.
This approach also reflects the dynamic nature of an event where needs change throughout the emergency time cycle, just as the immediacy of finding the nearest resources becomes supplanted by a requirement to find more sustainable longer term resources. Furthermore this holistic crisis management process is reinforced by the inclusion of significant learning opportunities for professionals and citizens.
The CRISYS model incorporates the wide range of static and dynamic information and data transactions required and the essential need to incorporate legacy systems within a system of system type approach designed to enhance the value and usefulness of the collated information.
The CRISYS project recommendations, present an interesting and challenging view, being both confirmatory yet also demanding fundamental reinterpretation of the established practices. The objective throughout has been to improve European response in the aftermath of crisis, even where response to some events is so well practiced that some judge improvement unnecessary. The stimulation throughout has been to gain advantage from the better use of the people, processes, information and technology already on offer.
Potential impact:
As part of the work package (WP)5 activities, dissemination of the results achieve have been specially targeted via the establishment and constant contents upgrade of the specific website, promotions of the project contents and findings at the moments during the national meetings and in separate meetings with Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DG ECHO) and DG for Enterprise and Industry (DG-ENT) in Brussels.
Promotions of the projects concepts and discussions on the topics have been promoted also in companies present in the supplier advisory Board list, during the two international workshop and the final conference held during the project as well as in other public conferences concerning the emergencies management topic, including the specific workshop 'Toward a demonstration programme on crisis and disaster management' organised by the European Commission (DG-ENT) at the beginning of 2012.
The main result, the CRISYS roadmap, has been intended, in his preliminary form, to support the discussion at the above mentioned DG-ENT workshop and in its final deliverable as a guide to address and support researchers and evaluator during the preparation and the execution of the second phase.
List of websites: http://www.crisys-project.eu
Contact details: Ms Sophie Batas (sophie.batas@eos-eu.com)
Ms Nadège Grard (nadege.grard@eos-eu.com)
The European Union (EU) regularly suffers from natural and manmade disaster, the social and economic consequences of which may adversely affect its growth and competitiveness. There is evidence of growing vulnerability to disasters and subsequently an urgent need to improve the operational capabilities of the Member States. Furthermore, the Lisbon Treaty has enlarged the role of the EU and allows stronger coordinated activities for support to crisis management outside the EU.
Though the EU Civil Protection policy is increasingly targeting the prevention of crisis, these cannot always be avoided and they are affecting citizens with greater frequency.
The CRISYS project aim was to assist the population, environment, economy and, in general, the whole society by helping to achieve better protection and a more rapid return to a reasonable quality of life in the aftermath of a crisis.
The project constituted the first phase of a two-phased research and development (R&D) activity aimed at demonstrating in a real environment the possibility to adopt a scalable and interoperable systems for the European Civil Protection; the phase 1 part of the activity has developed a roadmap for a demonstration project to be undertaken in phase 2, while also creating a wider network of interested stakeholders.
Although most of the main technologies for crisis management are reasonably available, Civil Protection and crisis management are not typical research issues. Key emphasis has therefore given in this project to developing close contact with local and national administrations and first responders to validate what and how to deploy innovative solutions. Accepting that R&D must continuously innovate as threats evolve we have concentrated upon providing insight into existing and developing solutions in a common demonstration environment. One major challenge has been to link approaches, technical solutions, procedures, standards etc. for civil protection to allow for a faster and more appropriate response to natural and man-made threats in EU countries and if needed abroad.
The CRISYS project therefore covers the role that Europe intends to adopt subsequent to the implementation of the new Lisbon Treaty and also considers a stronger civil-military mutual support (technologies, operations).
Project context and objectives:
The CRISYS projects objective was to develop a demonstration action of an integrated and scalable crisis management system capable of providing comprehensive situational awareness to decision makers to ensure a timely, coordinated and effective response to large-scale disasters.
The project aims were to assist the population, environment, economy and, in general, the whole of society by helping achieve better protection and a more rapid return to a reasonable quality of life in the aftermath of a crisis. Key emphasis was given to developing close contact with local and national administrations and first responders to validate what and how to deploy innovative solutions.
Project results:
As part of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for Research, the CRISYS project has over 16 months studied EU emergency aftermath arrangements, with the aim of developing a strategic roadmap capable of full implementation as an integrated and scalable crisis management system. Uniquely this study has considered response inside and outside Europe from the perspective of the end user to capitalise on existing relevant experience and available assets while forging solid networks and wide awareness with crisis management actors, be they first responders, governments, suppliers or other participants within this field.
It is well recognised that the crisis management business process involves multilayered interaction between many actors, each having distinctive responsibilities and all operating within challenging circumstances and time frames. One consequence is that those exercising judgment and making decisions in this complex environment require a resilient yet agile framework that can meet their multiple needs at many different emergency events; events that are sometimes not wholly predictable and may extend from hours to years.
Focused upon these demands the CRISYS team determined to concentrate upon the twin issues of capabilities and domains. This was because a solution framework that could meet these twin demands could be universally applied in practice.
Initially 8 capabilities:
- communications;
- situational awareness;
- command and decision support;
- logistics and resource planning;
- deployment in harsh environments;
- search and rescue, medical care;
- restoration of basic services.
Four domains were also identified:
- operations;
- assets;
- education; and
- information technology communications.
The research has confirmed the relevance of these two foundation principles, adding detail and priority to the domain components. Unsurprisingly, the study has also qualified the absolute integral importance of information, often simply referred to as data, and data communication, which we call the information highway.
In addition to this connective use of information we have consolidated into three distinct sectorial tiers:
- users;
- those having jurisdictional responsibility;
- the command and control leaders-and the technology support used.
Using all of these elements - information, capabilities, domain, and sector - the business architecture of crisis management has then been visualised in one innovative and homogeneous CRISYS concept model.
The CRISYS concept model has at its very centre the use of data and information and this has been translated into a CRISYS operating model. Using these two models a demonstration roadmap has been constructed to allow validation of the proposed concepts, methodologies and solutions within the real physical environment through practical exercises.
Three operational scenarios are suggested each containing different specific requirements. They are:
a) the deployment of resources into a remote rural area, similar to but not replicating humanitarian aid delivery outside Europe;
b) response over an extended duration in a highly urbanised community that experiences partial loss of the critical infrastructure; and
c) a short duration event entailing an aerial toxic release in an urban geographically and politically divided location.
The validation process encompassed by these scenarios is deliberately constructed to permit a variety of solutions to be evaluated using a toolbox approach. Hence, first responders to situational analysts may use different hand tools, or alternative data communication systems might be deployed dependent upon the needs of mobile or static headquarters. Underlying this approach is the desire expressed by study respondents to build up the capacity of components through integration of existing capabilities and enhancing their interoperability rather than by seeking to drive a new singular uniformity.
This approach also reflects the dynamic nature of an event where needs change throughout the emergency time cycle, just as the immediacy of finding the nearest resources becomes supplanted by a requirement to find more sustainable longer term resources. Furthermore this holistic crisis management process is reinforced by the inclusion of significant learning opportunities for professionals and citizens.
The CRISYS model incorporates the wide range of static and dynamic information and data transactions required and the essential need to incorporate legacy systems within a system of system type approach designed to enhance the value and usefulness of the collated information.
The CRISYS project recommendations, present an interesting and challenging view, being both confirmatory yet also demanding fundamental reinterpretation of the established practices. The objective throughout has been to improve European response in the aftermath of crisis, even where response to some events is so well practiced that some judge improvement unnecessary. The stimulation throughout has been to gain advantage from the better use of the people, processes, information and technology already on offer.
Potential impact:
As part of the work package (WP)5 activities, dissemination of the results achieve have been specially targeted via the establishment and constant contents upgrade of the specific website, promotions of the project contents and findings at the moments during the national meetings and in separate meetings with Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DG ECHO) and DG for Enterprise and Industry (DG-ENT) in Brussels.
Promotions of the projects concepts and discussions on the topics have been promoted also in companies present in the supplier advisory Board list, during the two international workshop and the final conference held during the project as well as in other public conferences concerning the emergencies management topic, including the specific workshop 'Toward a demonstration programme on crisis and disaster management' organised by the European Commission (DG-ENT) at the beginning of 2012.
The main result, the CRISYS roadmap, has been intended, in his preliminary form, to support the discussion at the above mentioned DG-ENT workshop and in its final deliverable as a guide to address and support researchers and evaluator during the preparation and the execution of the second phase.
List of websites: http://www.crisys-project.eu
Contact details: Ms Sophie Batas (sophie.batas@eos-eu.com)
Ms Nadège Grard (nadege.grard@eos-eu.com)
