The SHIELD PCP project is a direct continuation of SHIELD4CROWD. With the start of this new EU-funded initiative, the consortium is looking for members of the newly established User Observatory Group (UOG).

SHIELD PCP is dedicated to advancing the protection of public spaces through the innovative procurement of cutting-edge security technologies. To ensure that developed solutions truly meet the needs of end users, the project has established the UOG, which will  bring together representatives of law enforcement agencies, first responders, public authorities, and security practitioners. If the security of public spaces is in your area of interest, this is your opportunity to get involved and shape the future of safety.

About the Project

The SHIELD PCP project seeks to provide law enforcement agencies (LEAs), first responders, and security operators with innovative solutions that enable:

• Real-time situational awareness in complex and dynamic environments, such as crowd management.
• Seamless coordination and cooperation across agencies and jurisdictions.
• Improved communication within security teams and with the public.

To achieve these goals, SHIELD PCP will apply the Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) framework. PCP is a European Commission-supported instrument that allows public sector organisations to procure R&D services in a competitive, phased process. Instead of purchasing off-the-shelf products, PCP enables public buyers to jointly define their unmet needs and challenges, invite multiple suppliers to develop potential solutions, and test and compare prototypes in real-life conditions. Through this approach, both the risks and the benefits of innovation are shared between public buyers and the market. The result is a set of solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, cost-effective, and closely aligned with end-user requirements.

To validate these solutions, SHIELD PCP will conduct real-world testing at three pilot sites in France, Spain, and Slovakia. The project brings together 10 partners from 6 EU countries and will run for three years, starting in October 2025.

Why Join the UOG?

The User Observatory Group is designed to ensure that the solutions developed truly respond to practitioners’ needs. Joining the UOG means:

• Influence future security technologies: Your expertise will directly shape the requirements, use cases, and evaluation of the solutions procured.
• Access to a European knowledge network: Collaborate with peers from across Europe, including LEAs, first responders, security operators, and public procurers.
• Capacity building and training: Gain insights into innovative procurement methods and regulatory frameworks through workshops and training sessions.
• Practical impact: Ensure that the tools tested and deployed in SHIELD PCP reflect the real challenges faced by practitioners on the ground.

What is Expected from UOG Members?

As a member of the UOG, you will play an essential role in guiding the project and shaping its outcomes by:

• Participating and providing input during UOG meetings, conference calls (when necessary), and surveys.
• Contributing to the elaboration of functional and non-functional requirements of the future solution.
• Taking part in the evaluation and testing of prototypes and giving feedback for further development.
• Assessing the project’s results, concepts, and solutions objectively, and providing feedback on documents submitted for review.
• Discussing proposals and recommendations from the consortium to help achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Contributing to the creation of a roadmap of innovation needs.
• Supporting a shared-risk approach to the procurement of jointly identified innovations.
• Helping to expand the network of practitioners and public buyers engaged in the project.

In total, the project foresees five face-to-face meetings across Europe and several online meetings over the 3-year duration.

Join the User Observatory

If you want to contribute to improving the protection of public spaces, join the SHIELD PCP User Observatory Group. Contact us at nina.czyzewska@ppbw.pl to receive more information.