On June 23rd, Kveloce actively took part in the 30th German Congress on Crime Prevention (DPT30), held in the city of Augsburg, Germany—one of Europe’s leading events on security, democratic coexistence, and social prevention. Our CEO and main coordinator of the Horizon Europe project CO-SECUR, Maite Ferrando García, was a speaker on the international panel titled “Increasing security perception by leveraging on Social Sciences”, alongside Dr. Meike Hecker from the Deutsch-Europäisches Forum für Urbane Sicherheit (DEFUS).
DPT30, which annually gathers over 3,000 professionals, researchers, policymakers, and civil society representatives, reaffirmed its position as Europe’s largest forum dedicated to prevention and democratic coexistence. This year’s edition, held under the theme “Prevention and Democracy in Times of Crisis,” addressed key issues such as urban security, radicalization, social cohesion, and the development of participatory strategies to face challenges stemming from polarization, inequality, and global crises.
CO-SECUR: Citizenship and Social Sciences as the Core of Urban Security
During her intervention, Maite Ferrando presented the CO-SECUR project’s approach—an EU initiative led by Kveloce that places citizen participation and social innovation at the heart of efforts to build safer and more resilient environments. In contrast to traditional models focused on control and institutional response, CO-SECUR advocates for a participatory and proactive approach, where citizens are not only heard but actively involved in the design and evaluation of security policies.
“The role of social sciences is essential to understanding how insecurity is perceived, what factors aggravate it, and how we can act collectively to transform it,” Ferrando emphasized. Through methodologies such as interviews, exploratory walks, and focus groups, CO-SECUR investigates how citizens experience, perceive, and confront risks in their neighborhoods and cities.
Social Innovation in Security: Beyond Technology
One of the most valued aspects of the presentation was the idea that innovation in security goes beyond technological solutions. It also encompasses social practices, governance models, and tools for citizen empowerment. In this regard, the CO-SECUR project explores how co-creating solutions with local communities can not only enhance perceived security but also strengthen mutual trust and a sense of belonging—crucial elements for the sustainability of any preventive strategy.
“When citizens are involved, solutions are more accepted, longer-lasting, and more legitimate. That’s what drives real change,” Maite highlighted in her speech.
Europe as a Learning Laboratory
The panel also featured contributions from CO-SECUR project partners in Finland, Lithuania, Greece, Romania, and Poland, who shared their local experiences related to social innovation and the perception of security. From neighborhood mediation programs in the Nordic countries to media literacy initiatives in Eastern Europe, the cases presented showcased the diversity of approaches and contexts in which the project is being implemented.
A Project with Transformative Ambition
Kveloce’s participation in this international forum reinforces our commitment to a European R&D model focused on people, context, and social transformation. As the coordinating entity of CO-SECUR, we will continue promoting applied research through an interdisciplinary lens—combining scientific knowledge, citizen participation, and political vision to build more just, inclusive, and secure societies.
