Digitalized Cross-Sector Collaboration for an Effective Emergency Response: Emerging Forms of Network Governance

Abstract

Digitalization has transformed the public sector and ICT has enabled the pooling of emergency response resources. Here, we explore and compare three cases of cross-sector collaboration: co-location, co-use of resources, and semiprofessionals as first responders. Identified opportunities include shared facilities and equipment and a positive attitude toward the new collaboration. Challenges include undefined roles, responsibilities, difficulties in prioritizing among ordinary and new tasks in resource-strained organizations, and lack of legislation and agreements. Reported needs are related to improved training and joint exercises and to trauma support and basic supplies, e.g., blankets, reflective vests, and warning triangles. ICT suggestions included, e.g., systems for errand handling, joint assessment of information, status and acknowledgment of available and dispatched resources, and smartphone-based dispatch management. The emerging collaborations can be seen as hybrid forms of government and network governance. Network governance may thus support the development of their institutional aspects but needs to be complemented with practical elements relating to the emergency response context. We also argue that ICT as a key factor enabling collaborations must receive more attention in network governance, which is currently the case.