Technology Foresight on Biometrics for the Future of Travel

Abstract

In 2021, Frontex conducted a Technology Foresight on Biometrics for the Future of Travel, with the objective of
studying the future of biometrics for its implementation in border check systems that may benefit the work of the European Border and Coast Guard community in the short-, medium- and long-term perspectives. Three experts’ consultation events (two Technology Foresight Workshops and a Delphi survey) took place during the project. A broad group of relevant stakeholders was involved in these events to exploit collective intelligence and stimulate consensus-oriented discussions. A custom Technology Foresight methodology was developed, opening the door to the exploration of the vast field of biometric technologies, which were analysed from various perspectives in the context of border checks. Each of the phases of this complex research study produced its own set of insights.
Due to the substantial amount of information provided and the adopted participatory foresight approach, this
study will directly contribute to an enhanced understanding of the relevance and applicability of novel biometrics and technology foresight, as well as to identify areas of strategic interest and to make informed decisions about paths of future developments in biometrics. In this article we summarise the main results of the research study.