WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- A new report from the Washington-based Reform Institute says commercial technologies have applications for homeland security.
The report, entitled "From the Storefront to the Front Lines: The Private Sector and Homeland Security Investment," examines commercial technologies developed by Google, Motorola and Sprint Nextel among others that are being utilized and impacting homeland security, according to a Reform Institute release.
“America’s economy is both our greatest weakness and our finest asset in regards to homeland security,” stated Reform Institute Senior Adviser Robert Kelly, in a statement. “Our infrastructure and supply chain are susceptible to serious failure that could cripple the economy in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. On the other hand, innovations produced by our dynamic economy will play a critical role in protecting our infrastructure and in enhancing our ability to respond to and bounce back from a disaster or attack."
Reform Institute officials say companies are resources that have not been explored thoroughly.
“The report demonstrates that innovations being produced by the market can play a vital role in homeland security, but taking full advantage of these technologies will require collaboration between the public and private sectors, and leadership at all levels of government,” said Reform Institute Executive Director Cecilia Martinez. “The cases mentioned in the report offer lessons for successful use of new technologies in strengthening our resiliency.”
