A classical think tank lies at the core of the BIGS, in which scholars from various disciplinary and institutional backgrounds work together on socially-relevant questions of civil security. In so doing, they produce analyses and recommendations about threat potentials, avoidance strategies and countermeasures, and the market for security technologies and services. They identify the need for institutional change and develop scenarios as the basis for preparing for eventual attacks and catastrophes. In their work, they cooperate closely with suppliers and purchasers of security products and services, but also with critics of civil security concepts, in order to ensure the relevance of their research for the broader society. They also concern themselves with the connections between the production of social security and social control, aw well as with the possible discrimination against social groups. Comprehensive perspectives on the opportunities and risks of security concepts and technologies are in the forefront of their work.

BIGS works by thinking ahead and seeking to build up a body of knowledge that can be utilized in the event catastrophes or terrorist attacks occur. This knowledge should help to increase the contribution of the scientific community towards the prevention and mitigation of catastrophes and terrorist attacks; to provide for a speedy return to the status quo ante following such events; and to maintain and protect the liberal democratic basis of our society.
BIGS should serve as an important advisor and discussion partner to the executive and legislative branches, the media, business sector and socially engaged institutions (such as political foundations). It supports the public discourse about the struggle against terrorism and other risks through expert opinions.
The insights and knowledge gained at BIGS and by similar scholarly institutions in the field of security studies in Germany and abroad should be transferred to the civil security community, serve as a basis for stimulating a broader societal debate, and enrich academic instruction at the University of Potsdam. Towards this end, BIGS will actively participate in the international network of think tanks working in the area of homeland security, so as to profit from their knowledge and to contribute its own work to the international discussion.

BIGS offers graduates of various disciplines the opportunity to further themselves scientifically and to come into close contact with those who use their knowledge. At the same time, at BIGS practitioners from business and the public sector should have the opportunity to focus in-depth on a topic in civil security, so as to add new insights to their standard area of expertise. Scholars at BIGS should also enrich postgraduate teaching at the University of Potsdam. Over the short term, this shall take the form of seminars and rotating lectures. Over the intermediate term, a specialization in “Civil Security” is planned, with the help of the institute.

BIGS is headed by a directorate. An advisory board, made up of representatives of the shareholders, scientific scholars from relevant disciplines, and civil security experts, is responsible for the strategic management of the institute. An administrative board, made up of the institute’s shareholders, is responsible for the financial and corporate legal affairs of the institute.
 

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