Demographic, social, economic, and technological trends are changing the landscape of public security and safety. The reduction of border controls, the existing gap in social and economic conditions among countries, and widespread access to means of communication and transport are fostering serious threats to peaceful world development.

In this study, IDC analyzes the latest trends in cross-border collaboration in public security and safety in Western Europe. The document also provides an understanding of implications in terms of IT investment patterns of international cooperation to fight crime and terrorism, and control national and European borders. Strategic options are highlighted to suggest a viable go-to-market approach for IT vendors and to advise end users on possible technology selection and implementation strategy.

"IT vendors that want to offer public security solutions must target both national and transnational projects. These solutions must be centered on the ability to gather data from multiple sources and in multiple formats, build analytical capabilities, and respond fast to threats," said Massimiliano Claps, program manager, Public Sector, European Vertical Markets.