Science and Technology Networks: A Helping Hand to Boost Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030?

Abstract

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 underlines the importance of Science and Technology (S&T) and S&T networks for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR). The knowledge of existing S&T networks and their exact role in DRR, however, is limited. This opinion piece initiates a discussion on the role of S&T networks in the implementation of the Sendai Framework. The article highlights that current practice is oriented towards a narrative that emphasizes the potential of S&T for DRR and stresses a collaborative approach delivered through networks. But a true understanding of whether and how S&T networks can mobilize and enable S&T for DRR is missing. We call for a review of existing S&T networks for DRR and the development of good practice guidelines on S&T networks for DRR. This review should include knowledge on how to overcome common challenges and maximize the benefits, along with a framework for successful evaluation of such networks. This knowledge would provide much needed guidance for existing and emerging networks.

Keywords

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 / Science and Technology (S&T) / Networks / Disaster risk reduction

References

[1] Aitsi-Selmi A, Murray V, Wannous C, Dickinson C, Johnston D, Kawasaki A, Stevance A-S, Yeung T. Reflections on a Science and Technology agenda for 21st century disaster risk reduction. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2016, 7(1): 1-29

[2] Assens C, Courie Lemeur A. Introduction in networks governance, partnership management and coalitions federation, 2016, London: Palgrave Macmillan UK

[3] Carabine E. Revitalising evidence-based policy for the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030: lessons from existing international science partnerships. PLOS Current Disasters, 2015

[4] Caribbean Council for Science and Technology. 1999. A study evaluating the effectiveness of science and technology networks operating in the subregion. http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/5/10215/carg0589.pdf Accessed 15 Mar 2017.

[5] Comfort LK. Risk, security, and disaster management. Annual Review of Political Science, 2005, 8: 335-356

[6] Dickinson C, Aitsi-Selmi A, Basabe P, Wannous C, Murray V. Global community of disaster risk reduction scientists and decision makers endorse a Science and Technology Partnership to support the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2016, 7(1): 108-109

[7] Himmelman AT. Huxham C. On the theory and practice of transformational collaboration: From social service to social justice. Creating collaborative advantage, 1996, London: Sage 20-43

[8] Kenis P, Provan K. Towards an exogenous theory of public network performance. Public Administration, 2009, 87(3): 440-456

[9] King R. Power and networks in worldwide knowledge coordination: The case of global science. Higher Education Policy, 2011, 24(3): 359-376

[10] Lowndes V, Nanton P, McCabe A, Skelcher C. Networks, partnerships and urban regeneration. Local Economy, 1997, 11(4): 333-342

[11] Mysiak J, Surminski S, Thieken A, Mechler R, Aerts J. Brief communication: Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction – success or warning sign for Paris?. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences Discussions, 2015, 3(6): 3955-3966

[12] OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). 2007. Revised field of science and technology (FOS) classification in the Frascati manual. Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry, Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy. Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators. https://www.oecd.org/science/inno/38235147.pdf. Accessed 25 Nov 2016.

[13] Plastrik P, Taylor M, Cleveland J. Connecting to change the world: Harnessing the power of networks for social impact, 2014, Washington, DC: Island Press

[14] Provan KG, Kenis P. Modes of network governance: Structure, management, and effectiveness. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 2008, 18(2): 229-252

[15] Reinicke WH, Deng F, Witte JM, Benner T, Whitaker B, Gershman J. Critical choices: The United Nations, networks and the future of global governance, 2000, Ottawa, Canada: International Development Research Centre

[16] Scherer CW, Cho H. A social network contagion theory of risk perception. Risk Analysis, 2003, 23(2): 261-267

[17] Sørensen E, Torfing J. Theories of democratic network governance, 2016, London: Palgrave Macmillan UK

[18] United Nations General Assembly. 2016. Report of the open-ended intergovernmental expert working group on indicators and terminology relating to disaster risk reduction. http://www.preventionweb.net/files/50683_oiewgreportenglish.pdf. Accessed 9 Mar 2017.

[19] UNISDR (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, 2015, Geneva: UNISDR

[20] UNISDR (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction). 2016. The Science and Technology Roadmap to support the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. http://www.preventionweb.net/files/45270_unisdrscienceandtechnologyroadmap.pdf. Accessed 15 Nov 2016.

[21] UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research). 2015. The special role of science and technology in the new DRR framework. http://www.unitar.org/special-role-technology-new-drr-framework. Accessed 9 Mar 2017.

[22] UNMGCY (United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth). 2015. Young Scientists Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction. http://www.preventionweb.net/files/47816_47816conceptnoteyoungscientistsplat.pdf. Accessed 15 Mar 2017.

[23] Vilaplana, B. 1998. Partnerships and networks as new mechanisms towards sustainable urban regeneration. Working paper No. 1. London: University College London. http://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/dpu/latest/publications/dpu-working-papers/WP_91.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov 2016.

[24] Wagner C, Leydesdorff L. Network structure, self-organization, and the growth of international collaboration in science. Research Policy, 2005, 34(10): 1608-1618

[25] Witte J, Reinicke W, Benner T. Pfaller A, Lerch M. Beyond multilateralism: Global public policy networks. Challenges of globalisation: New trends in international politics and society, 2005, New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers 109-131.