EU border security market boosted by unauthorised immigration and illegal drug trafficking

European Union (EU) member states are spending more on protecting their borders, which are increasingly subjected to unauthorised immigration and illegal drug trafficking. High investment in advanced technology security and IT-based systems will boost the border security market.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.aerospace.frost.com), Border Security Market Assessment - European Union, finds that the market earned revenues of $193.6 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $286.9 million in 2015. The markets covered in this research are: surveillance systems, screening and detection systems and biometric systems.

"The rise of terrorism together with increased immigration from South America and North Africa have impelled EU member states and the European Commission (EC) to invest in hi-tech systems to safeguard external borders," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Mohan Kumar V V. "Government spending on border control and surveillance is expected to increase, creating new opportunities for information technology (IT) and security system manufacturers."

Biometric systems that are evolving as the standard technology for border control will continue to drive this market. Multimodal biometrics, which ensures flexibility and authenticity, is in the developmental stage but will likely come to dominate the market in the future.

However, recovery from the current economic slump will not happen overnight because of budgetary constraints. Resultant delays in commissioning new civil security projects negatively affect the duration of the sales cycle.

"The financial crisis and intensifying competition add to the pricing pressure on suppliers," explains Kumar. "Although prices have declined considerably, cost continues to be a challenge for vendors."

Implementation of hi-tech projects like the visa information system (VIS), bio development (BIODEV), Schengen information system II (SIS-II), Euroborders, and numerous other projects initiated by the individual member nations, will further initiate growth in this market.

"Biometric systems are experiencing wider adoption due to their reliability and convenience," concludes Kumar. "However, companies and biometric associations should address the fear of data misuse and centralise information to gain end-user confidence."

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan