The Europe Public Safety Market size is estimated at USD 122.66 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 170.91 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.80% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Digital citizen engagement contributes to public safety effectiveness and enhances criminal activity prevention. Public safety entities leverage advanced technologies such as intelligent and automated networking bidirectional digital communication data to safeguard citizens from illegal activity, address security threats, and reduce the effects of natural disasters. The public safety market in Europe is expected to experience a surge in demand due to various factors, including increased public awareness of the need for security measures, the replacement of antiquated infrastructure, and an increase in hazardous industrial research.
The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sensors is transforming public safety departments, providing them with enhanced situational awareness and emergency management capabilities. For instance, in September 2023, the United Kingdom government proposed that its law enforcement agencies adopt AI-based facial recognition technology to facilitate the resolution of more criminal offenses and the introduction of criminal charges against offenders. The Home Office intends to expand its utilization of facial recognition technology to monitor and locate illegal activity within law enforcement agencies and other security services to enhance the public's safety.
Law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on various smart technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, to provide secure and efficient system solutions for public safety and security operations. Surveillance cameras are one of the most widely used public safety technology solutions. For instance, in August 2023, Motorola Solutions Inc. was awarded a contract to supply VB400 Body-Wear Cams to the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The agreement aims to ensure the safety and protection of its police officers through the implementation of body-worn cameras. Such trends are anticipated to influence the region's demand for public safety solutions positively.
In recent years, several regional and country-level initiatives have been taken to enhance the proliferation of digital technologies in the European market, creating a favorable ecosystem for the market's growth. For instance, according to the Joint Research Center (JRC), major EU-level funding instruments provided more than EUR 165 billion in 2023 to support Digital Decade objectives. According to JRC, about 65% of this is allocated to digitalizing businesses and the public sector, making member states capable of fully digitalizing public services, including deploying secure electronic identification and ensuring the availability of electronic health records.
Government budgets can be limited, limiting public safety agencies' capacity to invest in modernizing their infrastructure, personnel, and equipment. This results in outdated systems and reduced efficiency, thus hindering the market's growth. Governments invest significant money in installing essential communication systems, biometrics, surveillance, scanning, screening, and disaster and emergency management systems, which result in costly installation and upkeep; however, such facilities may be more cost-effective. Moreover, the public safety market may be limited due to the high installation and upkeep costs, the need for a well-developed infrastructure in the region, and the absence of interoperability between public security and security systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public safety in responding to public health emergencies, and the public safety market experienced a decline due to the implementation of lockdowns and strict travel restrictions in the region to contain the virus spread. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of health and safety monitoring technologies, such as thermal cameras, health screening, and wearable devices, for first responders and the general public.
The post-pandemic period has ushered in a new era of innovation in public safety. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a surge in the use of digital tools, such as cloud-based solutions and data analytics, to expedite response times and enhance situational awareness, which is anticipated to drive opportunities in the market during the forecast period.
The European public safety market is very competitive and highly concentrated due to various small and large players. All the major players account for a significant share of the market and are focusing on expanding the consumer base in the region. Some of the significant players in the market are ALE International, Hexagon AB, SAAB, and NEC Corporation. Companies are increasing their market share by forming multiple partnerships and investing in introducing new products to earn a competitive edge during the forecast period.
June 2024 - Thales's cortAIx Lab, a leading European hub for critical AI, and the CEA, a pioneering research organization, collaborated to delve into generative AI applications with a specific emphasis on intelligence and command functions. By teaming up with the CEA's proficient AI groups, Thales aims to synergize their expertise, enhancing their endeavors at cortAIx, especially in crafting solutions for the defense and security sectors.
March 2024 - The European Union approved a fresh three-year initiative that leverages artificial intelligence and advanced digital analysis to combat environmental crime. Spearheaded by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, ECO-SOLVE aims to equip law enforcement, policymakers, and communities with crucial insights to combat online and offline illegal wildlife trade.
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