New Technologies Offer Solutions for Protecting the Homeland

New Report Highlights Available Technologies Being Adapted for Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, DC – Innovations being developed for commercial use also have the potential to play a major role in protecting the country and improving our ability to respond to and quickly recover from a catastrophic event, according to a new report from the nonpartisan Reform Institute. From the Storefront to the Front Lines: The Private Sector and Homeland Security Investment examines commercial technologies that are currently being utilized in the homeland security arena.

“America’s economy is both our greatest weakness and our finest asset in regards to homeland security,” stated Reform Institute Senior Advisor Robert Kelly. “Our infrastructure and supply chain are susceptible to serious failure that could cripple the economy in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. On the other hand, innovations produced by our dynamic economy will play a critical role in protecting our infrastructure and in enhancing our ability to respond to and bounce back from a disaster or attack. The examples in this report provide valuable guidance for how homeland security authorities can harness the power of the market in building a resilient society and economy.”

The report features technologies from established companies such as Google, Motorola, Sprint Nextel and Alcatel Lucent, as well as from smaller firms such as Planet Associates, Inc. and ICx Technologies, Inc. The report explores the impact of innovations in the areas of emergency response, port security, transportation, and interoperability.

“The energy and ideas of entrepreneurial companies are vital resources that have not been adequately tapped in homeland security,” according to Matthew Freedman, a new member of the Reform Institute’s Advisory Committee. Mr. Freedman is President of Global Impact, Inc. He possesses a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors. His experience includes service at the Department of State, Department of Defense, and U.S. Agency for International Development. He has also worked with corporations in key sectors, such as information technology, telecommunications, defense and homeland security.

“The report demonstrates that innovations being produced by the market can play a vital role in homeland security, but taking full advantage of these technologies will require collaboration between the public and private sectors, and leadership at all levels of government,” added Reform Institute Executive Director Cecilia Martinez. “The cases mentioned in the report offer lessons for successful use of new technologies in strengthening our resiliency.”

The report can be accessed at http://www.reforminstitute.org. To speak with Reform Institute experts, please contact Chris Dreibelbis at 703-535-6897 x 12 or via email at chris@reforminstitute.org.