I527-290 ESRIF Final Report (WEB).indd - European Commission

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Ultimately, EU-wide governance in security research and innovation must be "user" and "capability" driven. The search
for governance in this area must proceed in parallel with the development of a "European security culture". In those
fields where the EU has adopted policies (i.e., border management or the protection of critical infrastructures) there
is the opportunity and need to first develop complementary and interoperable capabilities, then shared ones and,
ultimately, common ones.
4.1.4 Co-ordinated Approach
ESRIF has identified the need for transnational and national organisations to be set up in a way that supports coherent
and consistent application of security measures. Building on existing organisations, such as FRONTEX and EUROPOL,
bodies or networks should be established within the Member States to share such best practices and advice. These,
in turn, would liaise with their equivalent organisations throughout Europe. This multilateral co-operation and coordination
is necessary to assure the engagement of citizens and industry in the interests of achieving security
objectives. ESRIF is convinced that the compatibility of security capabilities in Member States will be improved via
this co-ordination.
For certain security concerns such as fraud or organised crime, enhanced co-ordination is crucial since such criminality
is borderless. To be effective, prevention and deterrent mechanisms need proactive transnational co-ordination that
is intelligence-led and which exploits effective and innovative decision support tools for detection and investigation.
ESRIF does not underestimate the difficulty in achieving this goal. However, those who threaten our security have no
such constraints, and Europe should not shrink from the difficulties but focus on the outcomes. For example, security
background checks on certain categories of employees should be co-ordinated and structured to consistently deliver
useful information.
4.1.5 Trans-European cooperation
ESRIF strongly supports developing a model based on a strategic and coordinated approach to trans-European cooperation.
An example could be Trans-European Networks for Security (TEN-S) based on the model developed for other sectors, such as
transport and energy. In these sectors this approach has resulted in key investments and procurements, linked directly to the
objectives of the European Union itself, cohesion and Lisbon objectives in particular.
By adopting such a common model, Europe can draw on its collective strengths and knowledge. No single country is able to
develop aff ordable trans-European interoperable solutions for common security issues.
The legal and fi nancial conditions for these would also need to be further explored.
The resources available for research and technological development must be harnessed to respond fully to users’ expectations.
Such a process may be supported by setting up an Internal Security Fund.
4.2. Enabling conditions
4.2.1 Innovation – A Priority for ESRIF
A specifi c target for ESRIF is to go beyond research to address the challenges of demand-centred innovation, bridging the gap
between research and the provision of innovative solutions to end users. Innovation creates market opportunities, promotes
competitiveness and entrepreneurship, and guides research needs and their prioritisation.
ESRIF believes that security should be considered – and invested in – to develop a lead market. Innovation stimulates the
creation of jobs, provides SMEs with new business opportunities and makes Europe a more secure place.
Initiatives should be taken to maximise the value of the research investments, promote a more harmonised procurement
process, avoid duplication of eff ort and overcome fragmentation of market opportunities. In addition, a dialogue with insurance
providers and other relevant entities is necessary to explore how certifi ed innovative security solutions could reduce the cost
of insurance premiums.
ESRIF FINAL REPORT - PART 1 • Implementing the ESRIA