SECTOR: Secure common information space for the interoperability of first responders

Nowadays, crisis management faces many challenges since societies become increasingly vulnerable to disasters. Natural and man-made disasters impact various communities and place multiple demands for crisis management organisations. Successful response to disasters and crises mainly depends on the quality of planning, collaboration, cooperation, and coordination of actors involved in crisis management. Crisis management organisations need to respond quickly and effectively to new risks and unexpected threats. Accordingly, there is an ever growing need for the interoperability of a great variety of organisations ranging from international organisations, first responders and police authorities to governmental authorities, commercial suppliers and volunteers. Collaboration can be supported at best, if these organisations combine their strengths and create synergies. Based on a shared understanding and organisational procedures, this can be improved by (IT-supported) information systems that enable multilevel, multi-organisational and cross-border information flows.