SAFE-CITIES’ impact on the security of public spaces is addressed by filling a critical gap in the market and providing a suite of tools for stakeholders responsible for enhancing security. We return with an interview with Umberto Battista, the Project Coordinator representing STAM S.r.l. Let’s explore the current state of work in the final months of the project’s implementation.

1. SAFE-CITIES is an EU-funded project aimed at enhancing capabilities for efficiently protecting public spaces. What will be the main outcomes of this initiative?

SAFE-CITIES is developing a comprehensive Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) framework based on advanced modelling and simulation techniques. This framework supports scenario building, threat and crowd simulation, urban space design and retrofitting, planning, and training. The key outcomes, making significant contributions to the security of public spaces across Europe and beyond, include:

• Enhancing the ability of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), municipalities, and public space managers to assess vulnerabilities to terrorist threats.
• Facilitating the development of effective mitigation strategies through threat scenario modelling and simulation.
• Improving LEAs’ training in collaboration with public and private stakeholders, ensuring better preparedness for potential threats.

2. Some projects evolve from existing issues. Is that the case for SAFE-CITIES? What motivated the project team to take action?

SAFE-CITIES was driven by the growing challenges cities face in managing and mitigating security risks in public spaces, as well as the limitations of existing tools and methodologies for vulnerability assessment. Over the past 15 years, Europe has experienced numerous terrorist attacks and foiled plots, underscoring the need for more advanced and integrated approaches. While tools such as the EU VAT provide a foundation, they lack the depth and adaptability needed to address modern threats. Moreover, current geopolitical instability, with escalating conflicts in various regions near Europe, exacerbates tensions and increases the complexity of terrorist threats. These factors underline the urgency of initiatives such as SAFE-CITIES, which aim to bridge the gap in vulnerability assessment and strengthen public space security.

3. At what stage is the SAFE-CITIES project currently?

The project is currently in its final phase, with six months remaining. Thus far, we have achieved significant methodological and technological results. Workshops have been conducted to support the development and refinement of the SVA methodology and tools, which have been crucial for validating the framework across various use case scenarios. The next milestone is the final demonstration of the SAFE-CITIES platform, scheduled for spring 2025. This event will take place in Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy), supporting their joint European Capital of Culture GO!2025 event and showcasing the platform’s capabilities in a real-world context.

4. Projects can create real impact when individuals are eager to benefit from them. Who are the target end users of the solutions being developed?

The primary target end users of SAFE-CITIES are municipalities and local authorities; law enforcement agencies (LEAs); first responders; public and private security companies; urban planners, architects, and security managers. These stakeholders will be able to utilise SAFE-CITIES tools and methodologies to enhance their ability to protect public spaces and manage security risks more effectively.

5. The project concludes in June 2025. How will stakeholders be able to utilise its results?

SAFE-CITIES is delivering a range of impactful solutions, including:

• A security vulnerability assessment (SVA) framework, incorporating a participatory model and a security-by-design approach.
• Software tools capable of conducting both static vulnerability assessments of public spaces and dynamic threat scenario simulations using a serious gaming simulation approach.
• Dashboards for reporting and visualising results in an accessible and actionable manner.

These solutions can function as standalone tools or be integrated into a comprehensive platform. They will assist in assessing the security of public and semi-public spaces, urban areas, and large-scale events. Additionally, they will support the design of new public spaces or the retrofitting and upgrading of existing ones following a security-by-design approach.

6. What benefits do research and development projects like SAFE-CITIES offer compared to acquiring solutions directly from the market? What are the advantages of R&D?

SAFE-CITIES fills a critical gap in the market, as there are currently no commercially available solutions offering the depth, integration, and advanced functionalities developed through the project. Existing tools and methodologies are often limited in scope or follow a siloed approach, failing to provide comprehensive solutions to modern security challenges. Through R&D, we have had the opportunity to innovate and create advanced tools and technologies tailored to the specific needs of municipalities, LEAs, and other stakeholders. These solutions surpass what is currently available on the market, offering enhanced adaptability, effectiveness, and integration capabilities.

7. How would you describe the cooperation within the SAFE-CITIES consortium?

The SAFE-CITIES consortium comprises 17 partners from nine European countries, including SMEs, RTOs, LEAs, first responders, local authorities, and associations. Thanks to pre-existing collaborations among several partners, the consortium swiftly established a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. This spirit of teamwork, combined with the commitment and expertise of all partners, has been instrumental in the project’s success. Each partner has made significant contributions to ensure the delivery of high-quality results.

8. What are the next steps planned for SAFE-CITIES?

As the project draws to a close, we have already commenced exploitation activities to ensure the project’s results have a lasting impact. This includes engaging with potential stakeholders and exploring market opportunities across various sectors. We are also considering the creation of a spin-off company to commercialise the SAFE-CITIES platform and bring its innovative solutions to a wider audience. In parallel, we are actively exploring follow-on R&D opportunities to further enhance the platform, integrate additional functionalities, and address emerging security challenges. These efforts will ensure that SAFE-CITIES remains at the forefront of public space security for years to come.

Umberto Battista
SAFE-CITIES Coordinator
STAM S.r.l.

As Chief Technology Officer, he drives the company’s technological vision, aligning it with strategic goals and ensuring the development of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the area of modelling and simulation, to provide competitive advantage and tangible value to customers. With almost 20 years of experience in research, technology, and innovation, he has a proven track record of leading and managing international collaborative projects and teams in the defence, security, transport, and space sectors. He is currently an active member of several scientific and technical committees and working groups