The SPARROW (Solid Preparedness And Resilience for Robust Operations during disaster Wilderness) project is a 3-year Horizon Europe Research and Innovation project, which aims to develop a platform representing a pioneering solution for enhancing societal resilience and crisis management in the face of digital breakdowns as well as empowering First Responders.
In the context of the SPARROW project, critical infrastructures (CI) are identified as those whose failure could result in substantial damage to society and/or the economy. The interdependencies amongst critical infrastructure sectors, combined with their heavy reliance on electricity and digital communication, expose a significant vulnerability in both our society and the operation of critical infrastructures. A recent example is the storm Daniel, which caused severe flooding in Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Libya, leading to a tragic death toll of over 4300 people and economic damages exceeding €20bn. The aftermath of Storm Daniel included the breakdown of digital infrastructures in Greece, leaving entire regions without critical services such as electricity, water, and communications for an extended period of several days.
Beyond addressing the challenges identified in CI resilience, SPARROW is strategically focused on developing a Digital Twin (DT) platform and an emergency communication mobile application designed to fortify the prevention and preparedness of CIs during digital breakdowns (e.g., loss of internet, electricity, etc.). SPARROW tools and methodologies will be tested and evaluated through a series of planned Lab Tests, Tabletop Exercises (TTX) & Field Trials Exercises (FTX) with the active engagement of end users.
The project outcomes will lead to improved resilience and safety for communities during disasters, reduced environmental damage and emissions, and cost savings through enhanced risk reduction and preparedness. In addition, there will be scientific advances in understanding CI network interdependencies during crises.
The SPARROW consortium is multinational, multisector, and multidisciplinary, consisting of 15 partners, with different areas of expertise, around the EU (Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Switzerland) and the UK. The project is coordinated by the KIOS Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement 101168499.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
