Innovation is advancing faster than operational adoption. This is one of the key messages emerging from the first Policy Scoping Brief on Cyber and Digital Crime, developed by Working Group 1 (WG1) of the LEA Projects Cluster and led by PRIVANOVA.
ENDURANCE is proud to have contributed alongside the other projects participating in WG1 to this first policy output, which brings together initial insights on the challenges facing law enforcement and the wider criminal justice system in responding to cyber and digital crime.
Identifying the gaps between innovation and operational practice
European security research is generating an increasing range of knowledge, tools and innovative solutions for law enforcement. However, the brief highlights that the main challenge is not only technological.
The effective adoption of innovation also depends on skills, procurement, interoperability, internal procedures and implementation capacity. Bridging these gaps is essential if research and innovation are to translate into meaningful operational impact.
The brief identifies four key areas requiring particular attention:
- Strengthening operational capabilities
- Improving access to digital evidence
- Supporting responsible AI adoption
- Strengthening interoperability and cooperation
A starting point for further policy development
The Scoping Brief represents the first policy output of WG1 and is intended as a starting point for further consultation rather than a final set of recommendations.
Its purpose is threefold: to consolidate the key thematic areas for WG1’s next phase of work, identify operational gaps and barriers affecting responses to cyber and digital crime, and establish initial EU policy and cooperation priorities for further validation.
The next stage will involve deeper engagement with law enforcement agencies, EU institutions, international stakeholders and participating projects. This evidence-based process will help further develop and validate the findings before they are translated into more concrete policy recommendations.
Working together for a more secure Europe
The work of WG1 forms part of the wider mission of the LEA Projects Cluster to strengthen cooperation between EU-funded security research projects, law enforcement and institutional and policy stakeholders.
For ENDURANCE, contributing to this collaborative process provides an opportunity to share expertise, exchange knowledge with other European security projects and help ensure that research and innovation remain connected to real operational needs.
As cyber and digital crime continue to evolve, collaboration between researchers, practitioners and policymakers will be essential to ensuring that innovative solutions can move beyond the research environment and deliver tangible benefits for law enforcement and the wider criminal justice system.
ENDURANCE is pleased to contribute to this ongoing effort and looks forward to supporting the next stages of WG1’s work.
Read the Policy Scoping Brief
The full Policy Scoping Brief – Working Group No. 1: Cyber and Digital Crime, led by PRIVANOVA, is available here:
📄 Read the Policy Scoping Brief
