More about ZRK

Securing the Future Together

Imagine a world in which we are prepared for every crisis:
In organisations, companies, cities, municipalities - or in your own team. Where knowledge is not merely stored but shared. Where solutions emerge before problems escalate. This is precisely what the CRC (ZRK) stands for - Austria's leading platform for innovative, networked and interdisciplinary security work.

What is the ZRK?

The ZRK is an association, think tank and centre of excellence all in one. Since its founding in 2007, it has brought together professionals from business, academia, public administration, emergency services and NGOs internationally - with one shared goal: to better understand risks and master crises with confidence.

Based in Vienna with an active presence throughout the DACH region, the ZRK connects research, practice and education - offering its members a strong network for security, resilience, leadership, strategy and shaping the future.

What does the ZRK stand for?

For networking. Knowledge transfer. Responsibility.
Whether cybersecurity, crisis communication, disaster protection or new risks arising from digitalisation - the ZRK identifies developments early and actively helps shape them. This produces practical concepts, well-founded analyses and concrete action strategies.

The guiding principle is clear: quality, societal benefit and innovative strength are at the centre. The aim is not theory but applicable knowledge - so that you and your organisation become safer, more robust, more resilient and better prepared for the future.

Knowledge that makes a difference: Studies, Projects, Research

The CRC (ZRK) stands for scientifically grounded research with direct practical relevance. In close collaboration with universities, companies, ministries, cities, municipalities and NPOs, scientific foundations are developed and translated into applicable solutions. A particular focus lies on the innovative advancement of emergency and crisis processes - especially through the analysis of real events, the development of resilient leadership cultures and structures, and the standardisation of procedures.

ASGARD

Completed projects include ASGARD (Analysis System for Gathered Raw Data), developed within the framework of the EU research programme Horizon 2020. The aim was to support law enforcement authorities and EUROPOL by developing an open, modular analysis tool for large data volumes. The focus was on processing seized data, applying big data technologies and developing visual analytics tools to strengthen the technological autonomy of authorities.

To ensure the dissemination, further development and operation of this tool, the EUROPEAN ANTI-CYBERCRIME TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (EACTDA) was founded in 2020 by former ASGARD project partners. ZRK is a founding member of EACTDA.

NUTRISAFE

The German-Austrian research project NutriSafe addressed the resilience of food supply chains. The focus was on the application of distributed ledger technologies (DLT), particularly blockchain, to enhance traceability and security in food production and logistics.

Through the development of a modular toolkit, technologies, data models and business processes were provided to help primarily small and medium-sized enterprises secure their supply chains against disruptions and cyberattacks.

SHELTER

Another significant project is SHELTER (Sustainable Historic Environments hoListic reconstruction through Technological Enhancement and community-based Resilience). This EU-funded project aimed to improve the resilience of historic urban areas against the impacts of climate change.

Through the development of a data-driven and community-oriented knowledge framework, tools and strategies were developed to promote the protection and sustainable restoration of cultural heritage.

These projects demonstrate the ZRK's commitment not only to developing research findings theoretically but to implementing them in practical applications. The insights gained feed into further education programmes, events and standardised certification procedures to sustainably strengthen resilience and security across various sectors.

Here you will find further information on current Projects, Cooperations and Research Clusters.

Who is active in the ZRK?

A strong network of individuals and institutions:
From the security director of a corporation to the head of a public health authority, from the former President of THW to a cyber expert in the Austrian Armed Forces - they are all united by one conviction: Good preparation is the best protection.

The ZRK is led and advised by an interdisciplinary team - strategically by a distinguished presidium and a committed board, operationally by experienced experts in research, network development, communication and education.

What does the ZRK do in practice?

The ZRK offers practice-oriented programmes, specialist publications and excellent events:

• ZRK-Expert-Talks & Science-Talks: Compact online and hybrid formats on current topics
• International Conferences: CYSMEC & VSSC as platforms for cybersecurity, resilience and space security
• ZRK-Morgenimpulse: 60 minutes of concentrated knowledge transfer - ideal for decision-makers (remote)
• Magazine VANGUARD & Podcast #magic15minutes: Insights, analyses and perspectives for practical application

Furthermore, ZRK is active in over 20 specialist areas and competence centres - including cyber resilience, smart cities, circular economy, commercial mediation, healthcare and security policy. Here, knowledge is not only imparted but practically applied - for instance in standardisation and development of cross-sector guidelines or systemic crisis preparedness for institutions.

Why become a member now?

Because security is not a matter of chance - but the result of expertise, exchange and foresight.
As a member of ZRK, you benefit from:

• Exclusive access to events, studies & professional development
• Exchange at the highest professional level
• Co-shaping national and international security strategies
• Visibility within Austria's largest security network
• Practical support for your organisation

Whether individual or institution - your voices count. Your experiences strengthen our network.

Who is ZRK ideal for?

• IT & cybersecurity experts
• Executives in business & public administration
• Emergency responders, NGO representatives & consultants
• Academics & students in the security field
• Organisations with critical infrastructure

How do I become a member?

Simply click here, complete the application online - and become part of a movement that is rethinking security.

Secure your knowledge advantage - shape the resilient future with us. Welcome to ZRK!