SHIELD PCP strengthens the protection of public spaces by developing new solutions that help law enforcement agencies, public authorities, first responders, and security operator in public spaces manage complex and dynamic crowd situations more effectively.
As a continuation of SHIELD4CROWD, the project focuses on turning identified security needs into concrete innovation, ensuring that future tools directly reflect the challenges faced by practitioners.
Validate the technological and operational needs of security practitioners.
Build a strong network of public buyers and end-users across Europe.
Develop, prototype, and validate new security tools through a phased PCP process.
Ensure that all solutions respect ethical, legal, and social standards.
Prepare a clear pathway for market adoption, including future large-scale procurement.
Public spaces often host large, dynamic crowds—from daily urban movement to major events. Ensuring safety in such environments requires real-time coordination between agencies, reliable communication systems, and accurate situational awareness.
SHIELD PCP aims to develop an integrated solution that enables seamless communication, coordination, and information sharing between all stakeholders operating in public spaces.
Integrating data and control systems for real-time management.
Ensuring reliable information flow between first responders and the public.
Analysing in real-time crowd density, movement and abnormal behaviours.
Detecting movement patterns and, when needed, focusing only on specific individuals or groups to support a timely response.
To address these needs, SHIELD PCP explores technologies such as digital twins, hypervision platforms, real-time mapping systems and crowd simulations that enhance decision-making and response.
Through the Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) process, SHIELD PCP will develop and test prototype solutions in real operational environments in France, Spain, and Slovakia.
While the project will not deliver market-ready products, it will provide tested concepts and a clear roadmap for future large-scale deployment through Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI) or other funding mechanisms.
This approach strengthens cooperation, drives innovation, and improves Europe’s capacity to protect public spaces.
SHIELD PCP applies the Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) model, enabling public authorities and technology suppliers to jointly develop new solutions tailored to real operational needs. Instead of buying ready-made products, PCP funds phased research and development—from design to prototyping and testing in real environments.
Throughout this competitive and collaborative process, SHIELD PCP explores multiple technological approaches and identifies the most promising ones for future large-scale adoption. Prototype solutions will be validated in operational environments in France, Spain, and Slovakia.
Co-creation between public buyers and suppliers
Competition between alternative technological approaches
Innovation tested in real operational conditions
