The debate about the importance of "civil" security that has been going on for a few years shows that "security" clearly comprises more than just the fight against crime or terrorism. Increasingly the term is being used to convey "safety", e.g. protection against heavy industrial accidents, natural disasters, pandemics or the collapse of critical infrastructures.
Generally a difference is made in the industry between protection against unexpected incidents, such as accidents or natural catastrophes (safety), and against planned risks caused by man (security).
The challenges here are highly complex and necessitate close interlocking of the fields of
- basic research,
- technology development,
- industrial production,
- public discussion,
- future market requirements and
- education, training and qualification.
"Civil" security is therefore primarily an integration topic comprising various technical, social and scientific capabilities - and therefore a subject with a high innovation potential.
The global market for technical security solutions and services looks set to rise from around 80 billion US dollars in 2008 to over 180 billion US dollars in 2015.
The German market also looks set to develop dynamically:
Source: VDI/VDE-IT GmbH, market potential of security technologies and security services. Study carried out for BMWi, Berlin, 2009.
The projections were made before the global credit crunch so that the actual growth rate may now be somewhat lower. However the comparatively rapid development of the market will not be affected.
The goal of the TSSI is to ensure that companies and research facilities in and around the German capital get actively involved in this positive development.
