On Wednesday, 3 June, the Association of Estonian Security Companies (ETEL) held elections for its new board and audit committee. Forus will also be represented on the association’s board for the next two years. Representing us on the ETEL board is Kaimar Karuauk, Head of Forus Security.
According to Karuauk, Forus’ representation on the ETEL board is certainly a recognition, but even more importantly, it is an opportunity to have a say in the direction of Estonia’s security sector.
“Our industry is changing rapidly, and now is the right time to bring new ideas to the table and look at how the security sector can create more value in the future,” says Karuauk. “Forus is currently one of the largest security companies in Estonia, and we have a responsibility to share our experience. I see being part of the ETEL board as an opportunity to contribute to the development of the entire sector, not only from the perspective of our own company.”
Technological development is influencing the entire sector
In Karuauk’s view, one of the most important topics in the coming years will be how the security sector keeps pace with technological development. Security work can no longer be viewed in the same way as it was ten or twenty years ago, as artificial intelligence, automation and various smart solutions are influencing the entire sector.
Security work can no longer be viewed in the same way as it was ten or twenty years ago.
This also means changes in the training of security personnel. The security employee of the future will need more than traditional knowledge and skills. They must also be able to use modern technologies. For example, drone-related skills, including drone operation and monitoring, are becoming increasingly important. “The training of security personnel also needs a new approach. The ETEL training centre has an important role to play here in offering new and up-to-date training opportunities,” Karuauk notes.
As another important topic, he highlights cooperation with the state. Security companies are ready to contribute more to ensuring Estonia’s security, but this requires the state to see them as partners. “Often, the question is not about capability, but whether the state has the willingness to make use of these opportunities,” Karuauk adds.
The future of the sector requires cooperation and openness
According to Karuauk, Forus can contribute to the development of the security sector above all through practical experience. In recent years, the company has worked extensively on implementing new solutions and has seen how technology can help make services better and more efficient.
At the same time, development is not only a matter of technology. Cooperation and openness to new partnerships are at least equally important. Karuauk says it is positive that ETEL is looking for new opportunities and cooperation partners. For example, negotiations are currently underway with the Estonian Aviation Cluster, and there is mutual interest in cooperation.
“Steps like these help bring fresh ideas into the security sector and broaden our perspective,” says Karuauk. “Ultimately, I would like to see ETEL as a place that not only represents security companies, but also helps the entire sector move forward and prepare for the future.”
