Revolutionising smart border management with big data analysis

An EU-funded research project, METICOS, has been working to advance the adoption of smart border control technologies by better understanding user acceptance. The project, led by researchers at the European University of Cyprus and involving 14 other partners from 9 European countries, received EUR 5 million in EU funding. Aimed at better understanding how users and border agencies view new smart border technologies, such as data and biometric recognition software, the project took a holistic approach combining big data analysis with societal and ethical impact assessments

Using innovative modelling, data analysis, Virtual Reality, and innovative sensors among other tools, the project developed models and solutions to predict and measure user acceptance of smart border technologies. This enabled a stronger uptake and adoption of future seamless border crossings and security checks, all while respecting individuals' right to privacy.

The project’s goal was to provide border management organisations with evidence-based decision-making tools that balance security with traveller privacy, and ultimately enable seamless and secure border crossings, to advance the uptake and acceptance of no-gate border checks and security solutions.

How it works

METICOS developed a real-time decision-support system that integrates information systems and networks of data sources, providing authorities and decision-makers with valuable metrics and Key Performance Indicators. The project developed numerous models and solutions for measuring such metrics as technology anxiety and performance expectancy, amongst other variables. For example, through its technology acceptance models, researchers could study smart border crossing technologies from a user experience perspective. The project also drew on established models and theories, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), to create an up-to-date acceptance classification scheme and a societal and ethical impact dashboard for border control technologies.

How this can be used on the ground

The project's findings have the potential to increase the adoption of innovative border checks solutions both by authorities and by travellers, enabling more efficient and secure crossings while respecting individuals' right to privacy. With the METICOS project's innovative approach, the EU is one step closer to widespread adoption of "no gate" security solutions that prioritise both security and traveller experience.

METICOS has been demonstrated and validated under real operating conditions, with two use cases in five pilot implementations, which involved real travellers and staff and were executed in Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, and Romania.

The outcomes of the project were:

• Improved efficiency and security of border control processes;
• Enhanced user acceptance and societal impact of modern border control technologies;
• Increased collaboration and knowledge-sharing among border control authorities, service providers and travellers;
• A contribution to the development of a European-wide smart border management system.

METICOS was also part of a Cluster of 20 projects from the EU research and innovation programme on border management and security, developing technologies and knowledge from prediction of migration flows, to risk-based border management, biometrics of the future, innovative aerial border surveillance, artificial intelligence for travel document security, and new technologies to detect threats at the borders.

For more information on METICOS, see the article and the METICOS website.

For more information on the EU programme of research and innovation on internal security and border management, visit DG HOME’s page Innovation and security research or contact HOME.F2.

Duration: 1 September 2020 – 31 October 2023

Countries: Cyprus

EU contribution: 4 997 481

Fund:  Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Fund - Secure societies - Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens

Policy: Border management

Project information: METICOS website