Technological Innovation in Aviation Security: From Industries as Policy Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Aviation is a highly technical sector, but conversely policy regarding the security of it has historically been reactive and driven by human factors. Governance of aviation security is regulated and controlled by national governments, yet policy is primarily developed by international organisations. This article is concerned with what impact technological innovation has had on aviation security with particular focus on the effect of the developments in the cyber-sphere on the policy process. It will consider how cyber innovations have changed the aviation security threat picture and thus the policy process. Technology has become a critical enabler of those looking to subvert aviation. Yet until 9/11, an exogeneous shock to the policy area, the changing threat picture only impacted the content of aviation security policy rather than the policy process or the roles of those involved. This article will argue the industry is acting as a driving force for this legislative agenda nowadays indicating a clear role reversal. To analyse the response to the rise of the cyber threat as a determinant of the contemporary aviation security policy process, this article will use John Kingdon’s concept of policy entrepreneurs. It will argue that the industry has acted as a policy entrepreneur driving legislation due to its technical expertise in response to cyber-attacks becoming the primary threat.