ESRIF’s progress towards further security research and development

The EU has responded to the need for more security research with a framework programme, which ESRIF hopes will enable more effective dialogue between stakeholders.

The EU has responded to the need for more security research with a framework programme, which ESRIF hopes will enable more effective dialogue between stakeholders.

Security research has become a focus of EU research policy and is continuing to evolve. ESRIF’s recently published assessment of the medium to long-term threats to European security has formed the basis for ESRIF’s working groups to develop and define key trends requiring research and innovation. “The output is a strategic plan for security research and innovation – both of which have equal balance – which will deliver further, targeted research opportunities. The ultimate goal is to ensure that we are as prepared as we can be to deal with an uncertain future,” said Travers. “We are currently addressing what our ‘ideal world’ scenarios might be and the gaps between the current and future requirements.

This is the most difficult stage for us and we have to be clear what the true gaps are and set the priorities against that. But from a Working Group 2 point of view it is looking promising.”

ESRIF is a voluntary, informal forum made up of experts in 31 Member States. A series of working groups address niche security issues, including: border security, foresight and scenarios, innovation uses and governance and coordination. Eleanor Travers is leader of the security of critical infrastructure.

WORKING GROUP COLLABORATION

Working Group 2 deals with all areas of Critical Infrastructures including health, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), food security, energy networks, nuclear facilities, research facilities and transport (aviation, maritime and land). In addition, the Working Group liaises with other Working Groups whose work may have an impact on one of these areas, for example in the case of ICT.

ESRIF seeks to develop a shared view of European security needs that do not interfere with civil liberties. Travers: “Research must be done in a way that enables freedoms and builds on the protection of privacy from the outset.”

ESRIF seeks to develop a shared view of European security needs that do not interfere with civil liberties. Travers: “Research must be done in a way that enables freedoms and builds on the protection of privacy from the outset.”

The key issues identified by ESRIF include developments in IT, new technologies and the consideration of human rights. ESRIF’s final report – to be published in September 2009 – will build on these and other issues and deliver key recommendations for security processes. The next six months are therefore very important for ESRIF, admits Travers.

Since its launch on September 11 last year, ESRIF has sought to develop a common security agenda for Europe among its stakeholders. As Travers explained, there is a marketplace in security for all its stakeholder groups and therefore a common interest to work together to discuss security innovations and solutions. The ‘three pillars’ – the end users, the suppliers who manufacture and develop the technologies for the market and society in general – all need to be aware of the areas that security may have an impact on, she said. “The suppliers have a vested interest because they can apply the results of security research into technologies and products and the end users who implement security get solutions to address specific security needs. From a civil liberties point of view, research must be done in a way that enables freedoms and builds on the protection of privacy from the outset.”

ESRIF seeks to develop a shared view of European security needs that do not interfere with civil liberties. “We have a lot of freedom in Europe – civil and human rights and we value them. We are not prepared to lose that to a security regime. We fully appreciate we need a certain level of security, but we’re asking if there is a way we can be more sensitive to people in the process,” said Travers.

ESRIF’s 11 working groups address niche security issues, including: border security, foresight and scenarios, innovation uses and governance and coordination.

ESRIF’s 11 working groups address niche security issues, including: border security, foresight and scenarios, innovation uses and governance and coordination.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

While ESRIF’s programme looks ahead to security perspectives in the next 20 years, predicting how new technologies will impact on airport security processes presents a big challenge, she said. “We have no idea what technologies could be available in the future and from a security point of view, we rely on information and equipment – these are essential elements. Data is all very well but unless you have the ability to interpret it, how can you?”

However, the shared level of confidence in security technology is an interesting trend as technology develops, said Travers. “I think people buy in to the fact that the technology is okay – it’s a good example of where technology has become so acceptable that people don’t always think about trust,” said Travers.

ESRIF recognises that research isn’t enough and that ‘innovative’ solutions are needed to improve security.

“From an innovation point of view, we are looking at new technologies and how we can be more efficient about the way we currently implement security measures to provide innovative solutions – be it providing new ways of doing things we currently do, being more efficient, or doing something brand new – all within a regulatory framework,” said Travers.

The EU has responded to the need for more security research with a framework programme, which ESRIF hopes will enable more effective dialogue between stakeholders. “Engaging with the regulatory framework is crucial for us as operators. The important issue is how we engage with that process and be part of the solution. We also need to be involved with organisations such as ECAC and with the ESPAS initiative – effective regulation requires that we are effective players.”



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