Based on the fit4sec project, the BERKoS project supports German actors in the formation of new research consortia. For this purpose, Fraunhofer FOKUS is realizing a platform, which helps users such as security authorities and companies to get an overview of the research and innovation landscape, to recognize innovation potentials faster and to find suitable partners more easily. The core element is the (further) development of a web-based platform (Topicmatcher), which will be extended with current information (e.g. topic areas, calls for proposals, project results) in various areas of civil security.

Based on special search algorithms, the topics and project ideas of interested companies and organizations can be evaluated, relevant data extracted and automatically summarized in a structured report. In spite of scarce resources, they can thus participate in European security research activities in a targeted manner and identify suitable partners.

In the predecessor project fit4sec (duration July 01, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2016), the Fraunhofer Institute FOKUS already created a first version of the TopicMatcher, which supported the formation of new consortia within the research program “Horizon 2020”. Then, the focus was on identifying, recording and mapping relevant research topics, projects as well as partners in the fields of crisis management and KRITIS.