The SPARROW project, officially known as Solid Preparedness and Resilience for Robust Operations during Disaster Wilderness, is an innovative initiative designed to protect cities and communities during crises when digital systems often fail. The project is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe program. SPARROW brings together experts from across Europe to develop innovative solutions that ensure the continuity of essential services and communication networks in the event of natural disasters, cyberattacks, or system failures.
The project kick-off meeting, which marked its official launch, was held at the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus on September 11-12, 2024. This event signalled the beginning of SPARROW's three-year initiative to strengthen and prepare cities for crises associated with digital service interruptions.
One of SPARROW’s key innovations is the Emergency Communication Mobile App (ECOMAPP), which allows citizens to assess their situation in real-time during a crisis and receive specific action guidance, even when conventional communication networks fail.
Another technological solution to be developed and implemented in the project’s pilot cities is the City Digital Twin (CITWIN), a 3D model that simulates urban environments and crisis scenarios. This tool helps city planners and crisis teams test various hypothetical scenarios and prepare for different disaster situations. This state-of-the-art technology offers real-time insights into how a city would respond to different crisis conditions, making it a powerful tool for improving disaster preparedness.
Among the technologies being developed as part of SPARROW, there are also plans for a Dynamic Critical Asset Management system. Its purpose is to ensure that emergency teams can make informed decisions during a crisis. This system provides real-time recommendations on where to deploy critical resources such as personnel and equipment, ensuring they are used effectively.
The legal and ethical leader of the SPARROW project is the Law and Internet Foundation (LIF). Its primary role within the project’s development activities and the implementation of technological solutions in pilot cities is to ensure that the consortium complies with ethical, legal, and social standards. The foundation is responsible for overseeing compliance with data protection laws, with a particular focus on managing and storing sensitive personal data.
Additionally, LIF leads the ethical review processes, ensuring that all project components meet necessary legal requirements. By guiding the project through these complex regulatory frameworks, LIF helps ensure that SPARROW's innovations are both effective and responsible, protecting privacy and human rights throughout the project’s implementation.
The implementation of the SPARROW project will drive sustainable positive change in disaster and crisis management approaches in the digital age. By combining cutting-edge technologies with an interdisciplinary approach, the project activities will contribute to the preparedness of cities for disaster scenarios.
