Port and maritime security: A research perspective

A systematic, coherent, and long-term research agenda for the enhancement of maritime security does not presently exist on either the global or the national (US) level. While significant and productive research in this area continues to be undertaken, the absence of an explicit methodology to prioritize research investment and to focus the efforts of investigators is problematic. This article briefly reviews key determinants of current maritime security research priorities; samples the views of industry, government, and academic experts on research needs; and discusses considerations in the development of a realistic agenda that would provide direction to future research efforts in the maritime security domain. The principal focus is on US policies and initiatives. The paper concludes that much work remains to be done to create a framework for maritime security research that is truly risk-based, that effectively engages stakeholders, that builds on the explicit measurement of outcomes, and that incorporates essential international cooperation.