INIS – Institute for National and International Security

The Executive Certificate “Protection of Critical Infrastructure”, organized by the Institute for National and International Security (INIS), is an intensive professional training program designed to enhance strategic, legal, and operational understanding of critical infrastructure protection in contemporary security environments. INIS is a publicly recognized institution for adult education that ensures all Executive Certificate programs are delivered in accordance with national and international standards for professional and lifelong learning.

The program is designed for a diverse and interdisciplinary group of participants, including students of the Faculty of Security Studies, the Academy for Diplomacy and Security, the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Political Sciences, as well as professionals from various fields, such as public administration, security services, critical infrastructure operators, legal practice, emergency management, and the private sector. This mixed academic–professional structure enables high levels of interaction, critical discussion, and the exchange of practical experience.

The Executive Certificate combines academic rigor with applied expertise, providing participants with a comprehensive overview of European Union frameworks and the Republic of Serbia’s national context, with a strong focus on resilience, continuity of essential services, and coordinated responses to complex and hybrid security threats.

Program Focus and Objectives

The primary objective of the Executive Certificate is to familiarize participants with the concept, significance, organization, and protection of critical infrastructure, with an emphasis on resilience, continuity, and rapid recovery of essential services. Special attention is given to the development of EU critical infrastructure protection policies in response to major security challenges, including terrorism, cyber threats, and large-scale natural disasters.

Through structured modules, participants gain advanced insight into the EU legal and institutional framework (including the NIS2 and CER directives), comparative national models of critical infrastructure protection across EU member states and the region, Serbia’s legal and institutional system, sector-specific threats, physical and cyber security measures, crisis management and recovery planning, and mechanisms of international and regional cooperation. Real-world case studies are used to translate theory into operational lessons and best practices.

Teaching Methodology and Certification

The program is delivered through expert-led modules that combine lectures, comparative analysis, and case-based discussions, and is conducted by senior academics and experienced practitioners in security policy, defense, intelligence, emergency management, and critical infrastructure protection.

Upon successful completion, participants are awarded an official INIS Executive Certificate, confirming advanced professional training in Critical Infrastructure Protection, issued by a publicly recognized adult