Technological Innovation in Aviation Security: From Industries as Policy Entrepreneurs

Authors

  • Briony Callander University of South Wales
  • Christian Kaunert Dublin City University, University of South Wales

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12797/Politeja.19.2022.79.04

Keywords:

technological innovation, aviation security, policy entrepreneurship

Abstract

Aviation is a highly technical sector, but conversely policy regarding the security of it has historically been reactive and driven by human factors. Governance of aviation security is regulated and controlled by national governments, yet policy is primarily developed by international organisations. This article is concerned with what impact technological innovation has had on aviation security with particular focus on the effect of the developments in the cyber-sphere on the policy process. It will consider how cyber innovations have changed the aviation security threat picture and thus the policy process. Technology has become a critical enabler of those looking to subvert aviation. Yet until 9/11, an exogeneous shock to the policy area, the changing threat picture only impacted the content of aviation security policy rather than the policy process or the roles of those involved. This article will argue the industry is acting as a driving force for this legislative agenda nowadays indicating a clear role reversal. To analyse the response to the rise of the cyber threat as a determinant of the contemporary aviation security policy process, this article will use John Kingdon’s concept of policy entrepreneurs. It will argue that the industry has acted as a policy entrepreneur driving legislation due to its technical expertise in response to cyber-attacks becoming the primary threat.

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Author Biographies

Briony Callander, University of South Wales

Is a visiting research fellow at the University of South Wales. Dr Callander obtained a BSc in Aerospace Business Systems and an MA in Intelligence and Security Studies from the University of Salford and a PhD in EU Politics from the University of Dundee. Dr Callander worked as a Lecturer in International Studies at the University of Salford. As a PhD researcher Dr Callander has had success in achieving significant research funding including securing a prestigious UACES Scholarship and the Lord Cockfield Scholarship.

Christian Kaunert, Dublin City University, University of South Wales

Is Professor of International Security at Dublin City University, Ireland. He is also Professor of Policing and Security, as well as Director of the International Centre for Policing and Security at the University of South Wales. In addition, he is Jean Monnet Chair, Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence and Director of the Jean Monnet Network on EU Counter-Terrorism (www.eucter.net). He has recently been awarded a Jean Monnet Teaching Training Grant EUACADEMY, as well as a research grant by the Swedish Research Council.

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Published

2022-12-21

How to Cite

Callander, Briony, and Christian Kaunert. 2022. “Technological Innovation in Aviation Security: From Industries As Policy Entrepreneurs”. Politeja 19 (4 (79):55-71. https://doi.org/10.12797/Politeja.19.2022.79.04.

Issue

Section

Understanding Contemporary Security