Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DIREKTION (Disaster Resilience Knowledge Network promoting innovation, technology uptake and multi-stakeholder cooperation)
Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2025-03-31
The number and severity of disasters are increasing in Europe, due to climate change, ageing of industrial facilities and infrastructures, geo-political instability, poor knowledge management for critical activities and the vulnerability of the population exposed (density, age, migration…). To face these challenges, firefighters, rescuers, emergency medical responders and civil protection staff, have to implement effective and affordable solutions to support their operations. The DIREKTION project will establish and implement mechanisms and procedures to enhance knowledge sharing by directing the development of innovative technologies answering the needs of practitioners and policymakers. The steering role of international organisations (CTIF, FEU) and end-users will guarantee useful and practical results.
The project starts with the deployment of tools assessing the relevance and interoperability of innovative technologies developed by EU Horizon projects. A structured analysis of needs and gaps and the screening of potential solutions will then be undertaken. The procedures will use the outcomes of projects like FIRE-IN, DRIVER+ / CMINE, MEDEA, the pilot for the Network of European Hubs for Civil Protection and Crisis Management and will follow the taxonomy of the EU security market study to ensure a structured use of results. Based on the capability-driven evaluations and a detailed analysis of the opportunities and constraints for the uptake of innovative solutions, DIREKTION will establish priorities for future research programming and capacity building. Moreover, the project will further establish networking and dissemination opportunities of interest for the DRS community in close collaboration with industry, SMEs & start-ups, research organizations and practitioners, at EU and national levels. DIREKTION will strengthen current practice and future research and innovation planning in disaster resilience.
The project starts with the deployment of tools assessing the relevance and interoperability of innovative technologies developed by EU Horizon projects. A structured analysis of needs and gaps and the screening of potential solutions will then be undertaken. The procedures will use the outcomes of projects like FIRE-IN, DRIVER+ / CMINE, MEDEA, the pilot for the Network of European Hubs for Civil Protection and Crisis Management and will follow the taxonomy of the EU security market study to ensure a structured use of results. Based on the capability-driven evaluations and a detailed analysis of the opportunities and constraints for the uptake of innovative solutions, DIREKTION will establish priorities for future research programming and capacity building. Moreover, the project will further establish networking and dissemination opportunities of interest for the DRS community in close collaboration with industry, SMEs & start-ups, research organizations and practitioners, at EU and national levels. DIREKTION will strengthen current practice and future research and innovation planning in disaster resilience.
In the first 18 months, DIREKTION has made significant strides toward its objectives, focusing on several key activities.
The project successfully established the Disaster Resilience High-Level Forum (DRHLF), which provides strategic leadership by bringing together experts and stakeholders from across Europe to share knowledge and insights. This platform has already proven effective in fostering collaboration and identifying critical gaps in disaster risk management. The Disaster Risk Stakeholder Hub was co-developed wthin CMINE to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among various initiatives and organizations in the disaster resilience field. This hub serves as a central platform for coordinating efforts and promoting synergies among stakeholders.
Another achievement was the identification and prioritization of critical capability gaps in disaster risk management. These gaps were identified through comprehensive desk-based research and consultations with stakeholders from both civil and defense sectors. The gaps identified covered various aspects of disaster resilience, including technological, procedural, and coordination challenges. The DIREKTION Assessment and Screening Framework (DASF) was developed as part of the project to systematically assess these gaps and ensure that solutions addressed real, pressing needs in disaster response and recovery.
In parallel, the project initiated the screening and assessment of solutions to address these gaps. A key achievement in this area was the screening of commercially available technologies and near-market solutions, which were evaluated for their potential to address the identified gaps. The Solution Assessment Tool (as part of the DASF) was employed to assess these solutions from both supplier and end-user perspectives, ensuring that they met the practical needs of disaster responders. The assessment process highlighted several innovative technologies with the potential to enhance disaster resilience, as well as areas where further research and development are needed.
A major achievement during this period was the development of the RTC Policy Brief. This document consolidates insights and recommendations from over 200 organizations and 17 EU-funded projects, providing a set of actionable policy recommendations for improving disaster resilience and advancing innovative responder technologies. The Policy Brief was officially launched at the CERIS event in March 2025, marking a key milestone in the project's impact on policy development.
The project successfully established the Disaster Resilience High-Level Forum (DRHLF), which provides strategic leadership by bringing together experts and stakeholders from across Europe to share knowledge and insights. This platform has already proven effective in fostering collaboration and identifying critical gaps in disaster risk management. The Disaster Risk Stakeholder Hub was co-developed wthin CMINE to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among various initiatives and organizations in the disaster resilience field. This hub serves as a central platform for coordinating efforts and promoting synergies among stakeholders.
Another achievement was the identification and prioritization of critical capability gaps in disaster risk management. These gaps were identified through comprehensive desk-based research and consultations with stakeholders from both civil and defense sectors. The gaps identified covered various aspects of disaster resilience, including technological, procedural, and coordination challenges. The DIREKTION Assessment and Screening Framework (DASF) was developed as part of the project to systematically assess these gaps and ensure that solutions addressed real, pressing needs in disaster response and recovery.
In parallel, the project initiated the screening and assessment of solutions to address these gaps. A key achievement in this area was the screening of commercially available technologies and near-market solutions, which were evaluated for their potential to address the identified gaps. The Solution Assessment Tool (as part of the DASF) was employed to assess these solutions from both supplier and end-user perspectives, ensuring that they met the practical needs of disaster responders. The assessment process highlighted several innovative technologies with the potential to enhance disaster resilience, as well as areas where further research and development are needed.
A major achievement during this period was the development of the RTC Policy Brief. This document consolidates insights and recommendations from over 200 organizations and 17 EU-funded projects, providing a set of actionable policy recommendations for improving disaster resilience and advancing innovative responder technologies. The Policy Brief was officially launched at the CERIS event in March 2025, marking a key milestone in the project's impact on policy development.
DIREKTION introduces significant advancements in disaster risk management. The DIREKTION Assessment and Screening Framework (DASF) integrates technical and scientific data with social, economic, and cultural considerations, offering a more comprehensive solution to disaster risk assessment and management. This interdisciplinary approach makes DASF adaptable across different regions and sectors, improving disaster risk management at multiple levels.
Furthermore, the Disaster Risk Stakeholder Hub has proven essential in sharing cutting-edge research and best practices across Europe. By promoting collaboration, the project has accelerated the adoption of innovative disaster risk management strategies and tools, which are key to addressing evolving challenges in the field.
Furthermore, the Disaster Risk Stakeholder Hub has proven essential in sharing cutting-edge research and best practices across Europe. By promoting collaboration, the project has accelerated the adoption of innovative disaster risk management strategies and tools, which are key to addressing evolving challenges in the field.