FIRE21 - Problem solving in the 21st century

FIRE21 was a four-year research project examining formal and informal networks within the Fire and Rescue Services in the Nordic countries. The project wss financed by Nordforsk as a cooperation between Sweden, Norway and Denmark. 

Objective of FIRE21

The objective of the research in FIRE21 was to bed for an effective Fire and Rescue Service in the future. The research clarified which essential abilities best support the future's Fire and Rescue Service. The research also identified cruical resources locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

Our society has a new risk landscape

Our society is changing due to rapid population growth and significant changes in demographics, technology and interconnected infrastructure.  In addition to this we face climate change and a new global security situation.  In short, society´s risk landscape has changed and affects both organizations and people. One organization affected by the new risk landscape is The Fire and Rescue Services (FRS). The ability to recognise new risks and prepare for them in a structured way is essential to be able to create the foundation for effective problem solving in the future.

FIRE21 studies whether formal and informal networks are adjusting to society´s new risk landscape. If the networks are not adapting to the changes in society, crisis management will become inefficient. Tools and practices that were relevant in the past may no longer be appropriate in the future. Central questions were: Does the modern society and networks of today make problem solving more efficient?  If not, how come?  And how could problem solving become more efficient?

The network´s role in emergency management

The research in FIRE21 studied both the formal and the informal networks throughout the life cycle of emergency management i.e prior to, during and after an emergency.  In other words, the problem-solving process through the complex chain of problem identification, problem understanding and solution generation.

This covers all phases of emergency management:
- Prevention
- Preparedness
- Response
- Recovery

FIRE21 research methods

The research in FIRE21 was based on methodological science from actor network theory and social network theory. The research involves persons directly or indirectly connected to the Fire and Rescue Services.  The research methods included interviews, workshops, surveys and microworld experiments.

Questions answered in FIRE21

• How stable are existing formal and informal Fire and Rescue Networks for emergency management in the Nordic countries?  
• How are these networks developed and maintained?  
• Will such networks act and react as expected during an incident?
• Which capabilities for problem solving need to be developed to best support emergency management networks in the Fire and Rescue Service in the future?  
• How can local capabilities be identified?  
• How can these capabilities be implemented and updated in the organization?

Here you may find the final report from the project: FIRE21_Final_report_FINAL.pdf