Since 9/11, Security Technologies are receiving heightened attention by researchers, government agencies, military and manufactures; an increase in
R&D funding, venture capital and investments in security infrastructures have catapulted the field into a major market growth area.
Agencies that support and perform R&D have already redoubled their efforts at developing technologies to help prevent or mitigate another
terrorist attack. Technologies in various stages of development range from more sensitive and versatile detectors for biological, chemical, and
radiological agents to new diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics against anthrax, smallpox, and other potential bioterror agents. Many of these
technologies, particularly those designed to guard against an attack on the nation's infrastructure, have either already been or are being developed
within the private sector.
The three key end-user groups are identified as users or potential users of chemical and biological detection equipment. The prime end-user is the
military. Based on mission requirements and the possibility of battlefield contamination, the military is expected to remain the largest consumer.
Second are civil defense and law enforcement agencies, or first responders. These end-users are present at state and local levels and are tasked with
protecting civilians in the event of a wider exposure. Demand in this sector is expected to rise due to the terrorist actions against the United
States. The third group of end-users is found in the civilian sector. These are primarily large companies desiring to protect employees; companies
involved in chemical demilitarization work and government agencies without first responder duties.
Although demand is expected to increase in the civilian sector too, some companies may still consider the high cost of the devices, translating
into the cost to benefit ratio, too steep. This may be especially relevant for smaller companies, who may not consider themselves a high-risk target
and cannot afford to install high-cost detection devices to monitor their work environments. While still a high impact restraint, it is somewhat
lessened by the recent events. One of the main challenges for the industry is that most biodetection programs are still in the research and
development phase, which may last anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
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