University of Tampere participates in a large EU FP7 project on automated border control systems
The University of Tampere participates in a large EU Framework Programme 7 project on automated border control systems 'A harmonized, modular reference system for all European automatic border crossing points (FASTPASS)'. The project involves 27 European academic, consultancy, business and public service instititions and will run through 2013-17, coordinated by the Austrian Institute of Technology Gmbh. The project is funded through the action SEC-2012.3.4-6: 'Enhancing the workflow and functionalities of Automated Border Control (ABC) gates - Integration Project'.The task of the UTA team, based in the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, and led by Jean Monnet Professor Pami Aalto, is to examine the political acceptability of automated border crossing (ABC) systems across various EU member states and third countries such as Russia and the USA. For this end the team will make use of Q methodology to monitor the view of ABC systems aming political stakeholders. In this way the project probes the interface of public and private actors, which is a key strategic focus of the Jean Monnet Centre, School of Management of which it is part, and the University on the whole.
Project abstract:
FastPass will establish and demonstrate a harmonized, modular approach for Automated Border Control (ABC) gates. FastPass brings together key players of the entire ABC value chain - system and component producers, research institutions, governmental authorities and end-users. The development of a harmonized ABC gate will be accomplished with continuous end-user involvement. The entire innovation process, from components development to the final design of the user interface, will continuously be evaluated by the two end user groups, travellers and border guards. Border control is a major challenge for security and mobility within the EU. Travellers request a minimum delay and a speedy border crossing, while Border Guards must fulfil their obligation to secure the EUs borders against illegal immigration and other threats. Fastpass will serve both demands at the same time to keep security at the highest level while increasing the speed and the comfort for all legitimate travellers at all border control points.
The FastPass ABC process will be designed to address both requirements with equal emphasis. One aspect of a speedy border crossing by legitimate travellers is a harmonised user interface. This will allow frequent travellers from Europe and third country states to pass through an ABC with minimum delay, using the full potential of ID documents. Improved traveller identification technologies, such as new biometric odules will increase the security of the ABC process and minimise spoofing. A demonstration and evaluation at all types of border (air, land and sea) will be implemented in at least three different member states. Compliance with European societal values and citizens’ rights is central to the acceptance of the developed technologies, and will accompany the development and end-user interaction throughout the project. FastPass will develop a reference architecture for ABC gates, and will pursue a European initiative for a global standard in ABC technology.
Information: Jean Monnet Professor Pami Aalto
pami.aalto@uta.fi
Kanslerinrinne 1, 4th floor (Pinni A Building)
FI-33014 UNIVERSITY OF TAMPERE
