Using non-structural mitigation measures to maintain business continuity : A multi-stakeholder engagement strategy

Abstract

Encouraging property owners and individuals to adopt mitigation measures to improve the resilience of their buildings and equipments to seismic hazard has been a major challenge in many earthquake-prone countries. Few business leaders are aware of the fragility of their supply chains or other critical systems due to earthquake hazard. Bridging the gap between research production and research use is another crucial challenge for the earthquake risk research process. The KnowRISK project outcome is aimed at encouraging the proactive engagement of multi-stakeholders (community at large, schools, business community and local govern-ment groups) undertaking non-structural mitigation measures that will minimize earthquake losses to individuals and communities. Engaging stakeholders, taking into account their needs and inputs to maintain critical and urgent business activities, can contribute to the research findings and ensure that our data collection is thorough and complete. Engagement with stakeholders, during the whole process can lead to improved outcomes and for the development of viable solutions, for business and society, because of stakeholder’s role and influence within the organizations.