NEAT aims to close knowledge gaps in the state of the art by proposing projects, studies, surveys, and the collection of data needed to analyze the effects of terrorism and security measures. To achieve these advancements in the area of security economics, NEAT focuses on three main work areas: research, capacity, and policy.
 
Research
NEAT supports research in the field of security economics, with a special focus on the impacts of terrorism and of measures against terrorism on prosperity. This includes consideration for the cost distribution of both terrorism and anti-terror measures. Aside from aggregating existing knowledge on an ongoing basis, the network continuously identifies research gaps, centers of excellence, and experts in the field of security economics. It also works to develop various research projects, topics for studies, and statistical surveys in order to address these research gaps and to facilitate the development of security economics as a research field. Using this conglomeration of knowledge, network experts can analyze the factors contributing to terrorism, as well as examine the organization and consequences of terrorist acts.
 
Capacity
Networking is significant for developing and maintaining research capacities and building a wide basis for information and knowledge distribution. NEAT brings together experts who can contribute to the analysis of terrorism and anti-terror policies both now and in the future. Specifically, the network organizes biannual meetings to assemble researchers, discuss existing gaps in knowledge, and plot a path for moving forward. Through this mechanism, the network promotes knowledge sharing, which builds the foundation for high-quality policy and research support and promotes the development of research capabilities across Europe.
 
Policy
Using analytical and empirical economic approaches, NEAT provides support for the development and evaluation of counter-terrorism efforts. The network supports the European Union’s goal of reconciling security and growth, as well as the European Commission’s activities in the fight against terrorism. NEAT projects thus aim to provide policymakers with the necessary knowledge and advice to cope efficiently with the threat of terrorism and to limit the unintentional costs of security policies on national and European levels. In addition, the projects seek to bring forth a better understanding of the costs and benefits of counter-terrorism policies, the limitations they have on civil liberties, and the economic costs imposed upon particular groups and states within the EU.