DRR technology sharing and transfer through web-based platforms

Abstract

Purpose – Disaster risk reduction (DRR) technology sharing has emerged as an important global issue across national boundaries. As a result, the DRR technology-sharing environment needs strengthening based on the findings of difficulties in sharing, investment, and commitment. The purpose of this paper is to three fold: first, it will clarify that a web-based platform is the best conduit for linking DRR technology from the supplier to the beneficiary developing countries. Second, it will find the most evolutionary path based on Korean case studies. Finally, it will make recommendations for the efficient implementation of a web-based platform for DRR technology sharing. Design/methodology/approach – This paper posits that DRR technology sharing is a necessary part of enhancing resilience to disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. The evolution of web-based approaches (a merchandise display-type platform, a journal-type platform, an electronic market-type platform, and an architecture and governance-type platform) and an actual case of space technology sharing providing support for an evolution toward community-based technology sharing in DRR. The research will find the most efficient way going forward based on the case study of a four-year R & D project sponsored by the South Korean Government. It will also find the success factors for the way to establish and operate the platform efficiently and effectively through case studies of the four types of web-based platforms. Findings – Sharing of DRR technology through a web-based platform among Asia-Pacific countries is necessary in order to equip all parties with essential technology to mitigate intensifying disasters, to overcome the barriers of technology sharing, to breakdown transfer issues due to language barriers, and to strengthen insufficient DRR budgets. Among the four types of web-based platforms, the architecture and governance-type platform proved to be the most effective and efficient. In addition, four principles for an efficient implementation are identified through case studies, analysis, and research. Originality/value – This paper reports on the reasons why it is difficult for DRR technology sharing in the Asia and Pacific regions and suggests a web-based DRR technology-sharing platform as a solution for the region. Moreover, it substantiates that the architecture and governance platform type as the most efficient and effective evolution with four principles: develop based on end-user’s needs; take a problem-solving approach; contain interactive communication tools; and provide business opportunity.

Understanding the Determinants of Adoption and Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Emergency Management: Proposing a Research Agenda based on Existing Academic Literature

“…Government emergency management strategies generally refer to the commitment and planning to support emergency management and strategic support about budget, structure, actors, and digital tools in emergency management field [6]. Lack of priority for disaster mitigation and preparedness in its emergency management strategies becomes one of the barriers to adopt ICTs for hazards recognition, identification of vulnerable areas, risk assessment, and anticipating disaster [20,35]. Clear strategic plans about mobile ICTs help agencies to clarify the roles of new ICTs during emergency response and ensure necessary resources for effective use of mobile ICTs [16,42].…”

“…Investment in ICTs for emergency preparedness should be considered as a part of overarching ICT planning that balances the needs for routine operation and emergency management. In developing countries, where disasters may cause more devastating damage, financial resources are replied on the flow of international financial aid instead of their own budget, which may not sustain ICT use to support disaster mitigation in the long-term [35]. For emergency response, studies also emphasize the importance of sufficient funding to support sustainable use of ICTs in the long term, especially for mobile technologies [3, 42], Computer-Aided Dispatch system [49], crowdsourcing platforms [25], and cloud-based technologies [39].…”

“…Scholars argue that technological infrastructure is an important barrier to use ICTs for emergency management in developing countries or rural areas [13,22,35]. The following aspects are regarded especially critical to support ICT adoption and use in emergency management: communication infrastructure (terrestrial, radio, and satellite), information infrastructure (hardware and software, disaster data services), Internet penetration (quality, affordability), and system interoperability [6].…”

“…The following aspects are regarded especially critical to support ICT adoption and use in emergency management: communication infrastructure (terrestrial, radio, and satellite), information infrastructure (hardware and software, disaster data services), Internet penetration (quality, affordability), and system interoperability [6]. Kim et al [35] find that the technological infrastructure is not ready in the developing countries, even though inexpensive ICTs (e.g. GIS and RS) are ready for transfer for disaster reduction.…”

“…Local municipalities with larger population often utilize social media to disseminate information to a wide range of audience, facing the large demands of online communication about crisis information in a shortperiod of time [24,43]. Some scholars argue that a jurisdiction with a higher disaster vulnerability would be more likely to adopt ICTs since they face greater risks to major disasters and their local officials are likely to take pro-active actions to minimize the impact of hazards [35]. However, Jennings et al [32] find that emergency managers in the most vulnerable communities may also be the most strapped for funds and technological expertise to acquire EMDSS.…”