04 Novembre 2023

“The direction of history is towards ever greater use of machines and robots, while retaining control over the process of replacing man with machine.”

As the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games approach and digital transformation takes centre stage, Professor Guillaume Farde, affiliate Professor for the École d’affaires publiques at Sciences Po Paris, discusses the challenges and future of the homeland security sector

Milipol Paris Daily spoke with the expert in an exclusive interview ahead of Milipol Paris 2023.

You will be moderating several round tables at Milipol Paris this year. Can you give us an overview of the main topics that will be discussed?
Yes, of course, the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games will be at the heart of the discussions with less than nine months to go. This theme will provide an opportunity to address the issues of public-private continuum, industry and digital technology, both in France and on a European scale. The panel of speakers will be a mix of practitioners and researchers, which should make for rich conversations and lively debates!

What are the main challenges currently facing the homeland security sector?
The challenges are twofold: there are the threats and there are the changes that these threats are bringing about. As far as threats are concerned, the terrorist threat has never diminished in intensity, but the return of the deadly attacks in Arras and Brussels means that protection and surveillance measures need to be stepped up. On another note, political radicalism is one of the threats that is escalating, forcing both companies and public authorities to take measures to counter the threats inherent in violent activism. As for the changes, these are mainly due to the digital transformation and the use of new technologies.

What are your predictions for the future of the homeland security sector?
This sector is set to become even more digital. Traditional technical security systems (video protection, access control, etc.) are becoming more complex and interconnected, which raises the stakes in terms of system reliability and cyber security. The direction of history is towards ever greater use of machines and robots, while retaining control over the process of replacing man with machine. Today we are debating the deployment of artificial intelligence, tomorrow we will be debating the rules of use and even how it should be regulated.

Why is Milipol Paris such an important event for the sector?
Milipol Paris is the benchmark exhibition for the security industry. Security, whether public or private, is a community and, as such, the sector of activity associated with it is characterised by its affinity. And when the community/affinity dimension is so strong, physical meetings and face-to-face conversations are key for conducting business. Milipol Paris is the epitome of this type of event. The whole community will be there, and it’s looking forward to getting together.


Milipol Paris Conference Programme Sessions Chaired by Guillaume Farde:

Wednesday, 15 November

  • 10:30 – 12:00 Panel Discussion
  • The Olympic Games continuum (part 1)
  • Various speakers
  • 15:00 – 16:30 Panel Discussion
  • The Olympic Games continuum (part 2)
  • Various speakers

Thursday, 16 November

  • 10:30 – 12:00 Panel Discussion
  • Olympic Games and security technologies (part 1)
  • Various speakers
  • 15:00 – 16:30 Panel Discussion
  • Olympic Games and security technologies (part 2)
  • Various speakers

Friday, 17 November

  • 10:30 – 12:00 Panel Discussion
  • Olympic Games and security technologies (part 2)
  • Various speakers

For more information: https://en.milipol.com/Events/Conference-programme