EU Workshop in Kiel Advances UXO Management Software Development

Two weeks ago, north.io hosted an innovative workshop for over 40 partners and advisory board members of two currently running EU Interreg projects: REMARCO and MUNIMAP. This event, held in Kiel, marked the first of its kind at the EU level, drawing experts from nine EU member states, the UK, and Norway. Participants represented a diverse range of sectors, including academia, national navies, private companies, and governmental institutions, all united by the challenge of handling and analysing data to manage, monitor, and remediate undetonated, dumped munitions (UXO) in the North and Baltic Seas. The workshop brought the software-as-a-service approach to life. Its outcomes will enable north.io to develop software tools supporting the experts’ work on both projects. 

Interactive Workshop Design

The workshop was structured in a world café style, fostering interactive and focused discussions in small groups. Experts were encouraged to share their specific workflows, key events affecting their work, major software tool requirements, and the knowledge background of potential users. north.io's team moderated the discussions and meticulously documented the outcomes, which will form the foundation of the company's software design. This design will be continuously refined through ongoing collaboration with project partners and advisory board members.

Participants hands-on brainstorming during the workshop

Key Takeaways

A significant takeaway from the workshop was the high demand for transparency and support for international collaboration. This need is driven by the international nature of the projects, the extensive presence of dumped UXO in European waters, and the necessity for informed decision-making. Additionally, participants highlighted the importance of secure data handling that complies with national legislation. Ensuring that the software is secure and legally sound is crucial for building trust, particularly because both projects involve handling sensitive information that must adhere to national regulations.

Experts from academia, national navies, private companies, and governmental institutions gathered at the EU workshop in Kiel

Pre-Workshop Survey Insights 

The workshop findings were further supported by a pre-workshop survey which was conducted in preparation for the workshop. The survey allowed all partners and advisory board members to provide input, even if they could not attend the workshop in person. The survey results enriched the workshop discussions with more background information, including work habits, level of expertise, software preferences, and specific needs. With its extensive experience in UXO projects, north.io is best prepared to implement the necessary security measures.

Preview of the survey that was conducted before the workshop

Next Steps

In the coming months, the north.io team will compile and analyse all the results in detail, translating them into an initial software design. This design will undergo refinement through feedback sessions, including surveys, discussions with selected expert groups, and individual user interviews.

This collaborative and iterative approach ensures that the final software will effectively meet the needs of those working to address the complex issue of undetonated munitions in European waters.

The north.io team at the workshop in Kiel