Research Programme for Civil Security

The purpose of the Federal Government's security research programme is to develop innovative solutions that increase civil security while maintaining a good balance between security and freedom. What makes the security research programme special is that it is not just a technology programme, but also includes innovative organizational concepts and strategies for action. The security research programme features interdisciplinary projects, knowledge transfer to the general public, sociological research on data protection and ethics, and a high level of transparency. The programme is also integrated in a European framework.

• The security research programme is based on scenario-oriented research - in other words, the needs of end users such as the police, emergency services, and infrastructure operators are taken into account from the very beginning. These scenarios ensure that technology, the natural sciences, the humanities, and the social sciences work together with authorities and private enterprises to find viable solutions which also address societal aspects.
  
• Another priority of the framework programme is research and development of "cross-sector technologies".
  The focus is on multidisciplinary research approaches that apply basic scientific and technological knowledge and develop innovative security solutions based on existing and new technologies. The entire innovation chain is included to ensure that the solutions are relevant and practical, and social issues are taken into account appropriately.
  The programme also pursues cross-cutting research approaches that deal with the societal dimension of civil security research. This includes issues related to the acceptance of specific technology developments, data protection, and basic questions on the security culture and architecture. Here too, end users are routinely included to ensure that the solutions are viable.
  
• International cooperation focuses on developing security solutions addressing challenges which we share with other nations. The solutions should be suited to an open and increasingly globalized society and economy. The aim of cooperation in this area is to use joint strengths in research and technology to develop innovative civil security solutions that might eventually also develop into global standards. We currently have bilateral intergovernmental agreements with Israel, France, and the USA.
  
• The 'KMU-innovativ' programme aims to provide targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises. SMEs are key drivers when it comes to translating innovations into practice quickly and flexibly. Their strengths often lie in developing specialized solutions - quite often in market niches. Their close links to the customer provide valuable experience and skills with which to meet the requirements of end users of security solutions. They are also crucial to the growth of the German economy and to competitiveness on global markets.

The new "Research for Civil Security" framework programme will run from 2012 until 2017. It follows on from the first programme phase, which was launched in 2007. It creates the framework for a long-term, flexible funding policy that can be adapted in response to experience and changing challenges.

Cooperation between the BMBF and other Ministries responsible for certain policy areas is a vital component of the programme. In this way, research, legislation, standardization, international cooperation, and procurement in the area of civil society are viewed against a larger context. Based on the High-Tech Strategy, one of the aims is to improve the competitiveness of companies that contribute to security and to make Germany a leader for security technologies.

The results of civil security research will help us identify risks to civil society at an early stage and to meet them effectively. The projects include all stakeholders in the innovation chain, such as public authorities, organizations with security-related responsibilities, and the operators of infrastructures. The idea is to work together to develop innovative technologies and more efficient forms of organization to defend ourselves from organized crime, fight international terrorism, and reduce the damage caused by natural disasters.
 
The new framework programme includes the following funding priorities:

• Societal aspects of civil security research
• Urban security
• Security of infrastructure and business
• Protection and rescue solutions
• Protection from hazardous substances, epidemics and pandemics
• IT security/cybersecurity/Internet privacy

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  topic Hightech Strategy

  Update of the "Research for Civil Security" Programme

  The Federal Government decided on 25 January 2012 to continue its security research programme by launching the new "Research for civil security" framework programme. To help identify priorities, the BMBF initiated an interdisciplinary agenda process in cooperation with those involved in civil security research.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/15181.php)
   
  

• topic Hightech Strategy

  Scientific Programme Board for Security Research

  The Scientific Programme Board for Security Research had its first meeting on 29 October 2007 in Bonn. It is an independent body of experts that advises the Federal Government on security research.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/11781.php)
   
  
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  topic Ministry

  Security Research Map

  One of the ways in which the Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports the networking of stakeholders in the field of security research (including companies and research establishments in Germany) is the SecurityResearchMap.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/11777.php)