PSI - Issue 84

Guerino Liberatore et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 84 (2026) 702–708

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Fig. 3 – Example of structural failure on a Highway section.

6. Conclusion and future developments The analysis conducted in this study underlines that the resilience of Critical Infrastructures, particularly within the transport sector, is no longer a secondary technical requirement but a pillar of national and European security. The transition from the protection logic of Directive 2008/114/EC (Council of the European Union, 2008) to the resilience paradigm established by the CER Directive and Italian Legislative Decree 134/2024 (Italy, 2024) represents a fundamental shift. This new framework acknowledges the systemic nature of risks and the necessity of managing interdependencies to prevent cascading failures that could paralyse essential services. The proposed P-RES programme serves as a pragmatic response to these challenges. By positioning the Regional Civil Protection Agency as a central coordinator, the model moves beyond fragmented interventions to foster a collaborative environment where public and private stakeholders can share vital information. The study of the Abruzzo region demonstrates that territorial specificities - such as geodynamic risks and complex orography - require flexible and decentralized governance. The success of this model depends on the effective integration of the governance pyramid, where central strategic guidelines are translated into operational excellence at the local level. Looking ahead, the development of infrastructure resilience must increasingly leverage advanced technological solutions. The integration of Digital Twins for real-time monitoring and simulation of crisis scenarios offers an unprecedented opportunity to move from reactive to predictive risk management. Furthermore, future research and policy should focus on harmonizing cyber-resilience with physical security, as the increasing digital interconnections make infrastructures more vulnerable to hybrid threats. Ultimately, investing in a culture of resilience and structured information-sharing is not merely a legal compliance exercise; it is a strategic asset essential for ensuring the continuity of the State and the well-being of its citizens in an era of global uncertainty. References

Achuthan, K., Gupta, B.B., Raman, R., 2025. Bridging cybersecurity with digital twin technology: a thematic analysis. Int. J. Inf. Secur. 24, 207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10207-025-01115-y