Co-chairs of the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security Steering Group
Enrique Belda-Esplugues, Deputy Director General of Communication and Information Systems for Security and Director of the Security Technology Centre, Ministry of Interior, Spain
Nicolas Bessot, Head of Unit for Innovation and Security Research in the European Commission’s Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs
Key notes:
Interventions:
Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) should be understood as technologies that alone, or in combination with other technologies, have the potential to significantly enhance or deliver new capabilities. The purpose of the panel is to raise awareness on such technologies, discuss ways of strengthening the EU's technological sovereignty in KETs and present how some of those technologies could enhance the EU capability portfolio.
Panellists:
The Proposal for an EU Artificial Intelligence Act (art. 53) envisages setting up coordinated AI 'regulatory sandboxes' to provide a controlled environment that facilitates the development, testing and validation of innovative AI systems for a limited time before their placement on the market or putting them into service. In the field of law enforcement, a sandbox can allow developers and innovators to test, experiment, develop their ideas and co-create solutions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for their projects and operational law enforcement tasks. In line with its amended Regulation (EU) 2022/991, Europol is currently developing such a sandbox for law enforcement.
This panel intends to discuss what is considered a game changer for the internal security community, not least against the background of the Commission’s preparation of a European Security Data Space for Innovation.
Panellists:
Moderator: Dr. Dafni Stampouli, Europol Innovation Lab
Possibility to visit information stands presenting innovative projects by EU Member States
The digital transformation of the society makes metadata and content data an increasingly important component of modern criminal investigations. Even if granted by judicial authorisation, access to this data is increasingly and seriously challenged with the widespread use of efficient encryption capabilities. In order to address the challenge of encryption for EU Internal Security in full compliance with fundamental rights, innovative approaches should be explored and analysed. Although new and emerging technologies can certainly contribute to overcome this challenge, innovation in the field of regulatory framework, data protection, judicial proceedings, could also be considered.
Panellists:
The uptake of innovation stemming from EU-funded security research is not a single-step process, and there is no single method of ensuring the market uptake of successful research results. In the domain of civil security, public procurement can be a catalyst for the uptake of innovative solutions. In this panel, actors involved in procuring solutions for police/border guard/first responders will discuss challenges in procuring innovative solutions and bridging the valley of death and ensure uptake of innovation.
Panellists:
Nicolas Bessot, Head of Unit for Innovation and Security Research in the European Commission’s Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs