Increased innovation and research capacities in security organisations

Innovation is both the result of an organisation's efforts and success in researching and developing new services, business models, products or processes to improve its competitiveness. However, for innovation in end-user security organisations - police, fire departments and rescue services - the yardstick of success is measured in terms of increased efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation in reaching its security-related goals, often seeking out the best value for money as an approach to financial constraints.

Realising the importance to assist security organisations in becoming conscious of managing research and development activities, the EU project INSEC set out to improve innovation processes within security organisations, facilitate the integration of new technologies and create knowledge leading to better services dedicated to the safety of citizens.

Since its inception in April 2012, a main aim of INSEC has been to identify and share innovation best practices among security end-users in Europe by increasing networking and collaboration opportunities with external private sector organisations including SMEs. Collaborations can take the shape in joint R&D projects or purchase of relevant products and services from high-tech SMEs to facilitate innovation within end-user groups. For example, an SME working in the area of surveillance may be able to supply customised cameras for specific applications required by a fire brigade.

The French-led team also conducted interviews with stakeholders in industries other than security for example in health, ICT and transport. By collating and reviewing existing innovation practices from a range of public sector services, the researchers aim to identify processes that could in turn be effective for end-user security organisations.

INSEC is due to host two workshops in 2014 in order to exchange the best practices on implementation of innovation management within security organizations in Europe. The project received EU funding to the tune of EUR 1 126 862.