Research network on subnational risk and crisis management

In a world increasingly defined by transboundary crises, public sector organizations face significant challenges. The subnational level is central to the provision of essential public services but often suffers from a lack of resources and the demands for robust risk and crisis management capacities are growing. International research collaboration and comparative approaches are crucial to understanding subnational conditions for effective crisis management.

The project aims to create an international research network among researchers in this field, focusing on turbulence management in transboundary crises at the subnational level from a comparative perspective. The network will facilitate the exchange of knowledge on subnational crisis management approaches within an international context, enhancing global awareness of how different political and administrative systems handle crises. During the first year, the network plans to expand to include collaboration with a broader research community.

Several activities will be organized throughout the project, and the group’s first meeting will take place in Östersund on January 26–28.

The team will also host a joint session titled “Resilience of Local Authorities” at the International Conference on Resilient Systems (ICRS) in Delft, Netherlands, 23-25 of March 2026. The session will focus on subnational actors' approaches to risk and crisis management in turbulent times.