Europe Public Safety - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

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.

Europe Public Safety Market Trends

Law Enforcement to Hold Significant Market Share

• Law enforcement agencies significantly stimulate public safety demand by recognizing and addressing various safety and security issues. To combat knife crime, the German government and federal police are proposing increasing weapon-free zones for trains and inner city areas in April 2023. Solutions like criminal intelligence and crime analysis software significantly enhance the capability of law enforcement authorities to identify and analyze the cause and impact of a crime before taking necessary action.
• Law enforcement agencies actively engage in preventing and investigating criminal activities. This measure requires advanced tools and technologies, including forensic analysis equipment and surveillance cameras. For instance, in January 2023, the French government expedited special legislation related to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games that would enable the implementation of video surveillance with the assistance of AI. This step would allow the automated use of video cameras, utilizing AI algorithms to identify suspicious or unusual crowd activity.
• Considering the current state of the crime scene, law enforcement agencies must adapt to the latest developments in Internal Security and Border Defense. Cloud computing, Industry 4.0, drones and counter-drones, and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) are transforming lives. As a result, law enforcement must remain abreast of the latest industrial developments and comprehend the evolving crime patterns. Cybercrimes are increasingly used to extort from the general public and spread disinformation and communal discord, thus necessitating Public Safety Solutions.
• Law enforcement agencies use data analysis and crime mapping to identify hot spots and trends. This data assists in efficiently allocating resources and targeting areas with a higher crime rate. According to the Office of National Statistics of France, in 2023, the number of police recorded violence against persons offenses in France stood at 384,100, which marked a significant increase in the crime rate in years. Law enforcement software facilitates the generation of actionable information, which can contribute to reducing such criminal activity and improving public security.

The United Kingdom to Witness Significant Growth

• Public safety agencies must accelerate the implementation of technologies to address significant operational issues during the pandemic and protect public safety personnel, such as police officers and firefighters, as they remain on the frontlines and risk their lives to protect the communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Kingdom was significantly influenced by the pandemic outbreak, which increased the need for emergency medical services to ensure the public's safety in coping with the increasing number of cases. Solutions like medical record management software became very handy during such times, driving its adoption further during the forecast period.
• The importance of public safety and security for economic growth and the well-being of communities cannot be overstated. The increasing number of catastrophic accidents in the country, as well as the rise in crime and terrorism, has raised concerns about the safety of individuals, property, and processes. This factor has led the government of the United Kingdom to strive to create intelligent mitigation plans to reduce response times and the destruction caused by natural and artificial catastrophes, likely stimulating the market and leading to a review of the regulatory strategies.
• Globalization and urbanization, a shortage of qualified security personnel, increasing environmental concerns and demands, and the development of smart cities in the country are also factors that are expected to impact the market in the future. For instance, the United Kingdom is subject to high population pressure, which is projected to rise to 73.7 million by mid-2036.
• The United Kingdom also has several vendors offering public safety-related solutions, which supports the market's growth. For instance, Soutron offers information management solutions. Its UK hosting platform is ISO27001 certified and is a highly flexible and secure repository with automated tools to organize media of all types of data to control and manage information assets throughout their lifespan. Hence, such trends and developments support the country's market growth.

Europe Public Safety Industry Overview

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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