SUNRISE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SERIES
Strengthening European Critical Infrastructure resilience trough cross-sector cooperation: the third national Workshop on SUNRISE Project
In an era where the resilience of critical infrastructures is vital to the stability and security of societies, cooperation and innovative strategies are more important than ever. At the end of May, 2024, the SUNRISE project became once again a focal point for such efforts as it hosted his third National Workshop. This workshop brought together key players from various critical sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, water, transport, energy, food and logistics. Through collaborative discussions and hands-on sessions, participants explored ways to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructures across Europe against an ever-evolving array of threats.
The SUNRISE project aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructures across Europe through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies. This workshop highlighted the commitment of participating organizations to this cause. The event, which took part in 3 parallel sessions in Italy, Slovenia and Spain, saw the participation of key Critical Infrastructure operators and other significant actors, underscoring the broad scope and importance of this initiative.
The workshop participants were distributed among different groups, ensuring a diverse mix of sectors and organizations. The agenda was divided into three main sessions, each focusing on different aspects of the SUNRISE Strategy and Tools, which is the focus area of WP2 activities.
The first session provided an in-depth overview of the SUNRISE strategy – as has been recently presented in the deliverable D2.2 – initiating discussions among working groups to gather feedback. Participants emphasized the need for implementation assessments, context evaluation integration, performance metrics, and KPIs to measure organizational achievements. These discussions highlighted the importance of tailored action plans, regular reviews, and the incorporation of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance emergency response and strategic preparedness.
The second session focused on an epidemiological scenario, different from the COVID-19 pandemic, to stimulate new reflections from participants. A questionnaire was distributed to gather insights on human resource aspects related to epidemiological scenarios. The data revealed significant considerations regarding worker profiles, roles, and behavior in case of contagion risk. This session underscored the importance of preparedness for epidemic risks and the adaptability of contingency plans even with reduced staffing.
The final session showcased two of the Strategy tool’s modules: the Risk Management Tool and the CASSANDRA What-If Analysis Cascading Effects Tool. Participants engaged in demos and provided feedback on the functionality and usability of these tools. Participants expressed confidence in the tool’s effectiveness in improving the resilience of critical infrastructures and identified areas for improvement, such as synergy between existing and new technologies and better contextualization of risks.
The SUNRISE project represents a significant step towards strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructures across Europe. By fostering international collaboration and leveraging innovative strategies, SUNRISE aims to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of critical infrastructure operators. The Third National workshop exemplified the collaborative spirit and dedication of European critical infrastructure operators to enhancing resilience. Through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and innovative strategies, the workshop participants contributed to a stronger, more resilient Europe. As the SUNRISE project continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a fundamental role in safeguarding Europe’s critical infrastructures against emerging threats and challenges.
Written by: Maria Beatrice Versaci, Hermes Bay srl, Roma
