#SPARROW: A new EU project to enhance societal resilience in the face of digital breakdowns
On the 11th of September 2024, the European research project SPARROW officially kicked-off its activities. SPARROW stands for Solid Preparedness and Resilience for Robust Operations during disaster Wilderness and aims to enhance societal resilience and crisis management in the face of digital breakdowns. The 2-day kick of meeting, which was hosted by KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus, brought together a multinational, multisector, and multidisciplinary consortium of 15 partners across Europe.
The 3-year SPARROW project addresses challenges and crises identified in critical infrastructure resilience, that arise from disasters (natural and human-made) and digital breakdowns. By developing a Digital Twin (DT) platform and technologies for emergency communication, the project will enhance the resilience of EU societies, equip stakeholders with the tools needed for swift and coordinated responses and will
strengthen the capacities of First Responders during emergencies. SPARROW tools and methodologies will be tested and evaluated through a series of planned Lab Tests, Tabletop Exercises and Field Trials Exercises with the active engagement of end users.
The SPARROW project, led by the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus, brings on board academia, industry, SMEs, NGOs, as well as organizations representing public and private practitioners and local authorities from 8 different countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
According to the Project’s Coordinator, Assist. Professor Mathaios Panteli, “the SPARROW project aspires to play a pivotal role in enhancing the resilience and sustainability of communities across the continent, in a time when disasters occur more frequently and with greater intensity. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts and innovative solutions to manage and mitigate their impact”.
Representatives from all partners were present at the kick-off meeting, empowering the project with their area of expertise, knowledge and best practices. Each partner presented their role and responsibilities in the project, milestones and timelines, making sure that all project’s objectives are aligned.
