Web site demonstrates strength of Illinois’ homeland security market; highlights statewide companies meeting homeland security industry needs
CHICAGO – To spur homeland security market development and job creation, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the availability of the Illinois Homeland Security Industry Network (HSIN) web site. The portal, created as part of an Illinois Entrepreneurship Network initiative, demonstrates the strength and diversity of Illinois’ homeland security sector and advances market intelligence and matchmaking by mapping out more than 400 companies statewide that provide homeland security products and services.
The web site, http://www.illinoishomelandsecurityindustry.com, was developed by the Homeland Security Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center as a joint effort between DCEO’s Homeland Security Market Development Bureau, Northwestern University and d&a hi-tech information, Ltd.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of this important resource, which will help create an awareness of the vibrant growth opportunity for Illinois businesses in the homeland security sector,” said DCEO Director Jack Lavin. “With an estimated annual global market value of approximately $45 billion and growing, the homeland security industry has the potential to create thousands of well-paying jobs and make an important contribution to public protection, emergency preparedness and business continuity in Illinois.”
“Companies and individuals now have the option to reach out to local businesses for their homeland security needs. Illinois’ HSIN Map is a valuable tool for searching for homeland security solutions and for companies looking to partner with other providers on product development and resale opportunities,” said Bret Johnson, Director of the Homeland Security Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Northwestern University. “We have plenty of Homeland Security resources available right here in Illinois, and this portal will help connect the right resource with the right need.”
The Homeland Security Industry Map web site can be used to understand Illinois' Homeland Security industry and its opportunities; identify potential business, marketing and production partners; and connect to other sites providing information on growing homeland security businesses in Illinois. It also provides links to a variety of State-supported homeland security market development resources and programs. The portal combines expertise from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and leading analysis and data visualization technology from d&a to provide a comprehensive resource for identifying Illinois-based homeland security solution providers.
“We are proud to have provided the technology foundation for the HSIN web site,” said Eyal Abramovitch, Director of d&a hi-tech information, Ltd. “d&a specializes in business information solutions that enable industries to effectively visualize and present their information, allowing users to identify potential business opportunities and improve their strategic decision-making process.”
The Homeland Security Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (HSIEC) was launched as part of DCEO’s Opportunity Returns program. HSIEC assists companies that offer products and services designed to prevent, deter, detect, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
Gov. Blagojevich launched DCEO’s Homeland Security Market Development bureau to grow and attract the homeland security industry, recruit new and support existing Illinois businesses engaged in the homeland security market. The program is an unparalleled economic development initiative to build the homeland security industry in Illinois. DCEO’s Homeland Security Market Development bureau is focused on supporting businesses engaged in the homeland security industry, and the bureau offers a variety of tools designed to help existing Illinois companies expand operations and utilize available state and federal programs and services. For more information on HSMD, visit www.hsmd.illinois.gov.