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Frost & Sullivan: Interoperability and Technology Needs Spur Advances in First Responder C3i and Emergency Response Systems
June 2013 by Frost & Sullivan
The need for interoperable communication systems that can provide real-time situation awareness to first responders has paved the way for the development of advanced technologies in the global first responder command, control, communications and intelligence (C3i) and emergency response market. Weather monitoring sensors, emergency mass notification systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and intelligent transportation systems will emerge as next-generation emergency response systems.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.defense.frost.com), Assessment of Global First Responder C3i and Emergency Response Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $50.41 billion in 2012 and estimates this to reach $131.62 million in 2019. North America accounts for the largest share of the market, followed by Asia-Pacific. The market in South America will overtake Europe in the long term.
“Mega events such as the Olympics and World Cup are prime targets for attacks, heightening the need for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services to be equipped with technologies to ensure public safety,†said Frost & Sullivan Aerospace and Defence Industry Analyst Anshul Sharma. “The vulnerability of critical infrastructure such as transportation networks or oil and gas facilities to terrorist attacks or operational failure further necessitates sophisticated first responder C3i and emergency response systems globally.â€
The rising frequency of such incidents has propelled the growth of the public safety communications segment, particularly after the deployment of LTE networks in various countries. The adoption of command and control solutions is gaining pace with the emergence of safe city projects. Public safety software solutions will be another key area of growth.
However, the unavailability of sufficient funding for the acquisition and maintenance of these technologies limits market scope. The lack of standardisation in various communication equipments has further curbed uptake. To offset this challenge, manufacturers must build open architecture solutions that can integrate with any communication device.
Additionally, vendors need to educate the first responder community on the use of these emerging technologies, especially in developing regions like Asia-Pacific, where market potential is huge.
“More importantly, collaboration among manufacturers and respective law enforcement as well as emergency response agencies in various countries will help ensure that technology requirements are addressed,†opined Sharma. “In fact, the success of such ventures has been proved in institutions like the Raytheon public safety technology centre in the United States, which reached out to the first responders and is offering development and training for new technology solutions according to their needs
