The Social Domain: Resilience of Information-Sharing Networks

Authors

  • Harri Ruoslahti Security and Risk Management, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Espoo, Finland
  • Ilkka Tikanmäki Department of Warfare, National Defence University, Helsinki, Finland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/eccws.23.1.2520

Keywords:

Networks, Collaboration, Resilience, Risk Assessment

Abstract

The concept of networks in the social domain can be seen as a resilient complex social system, consisting of diverse and interdependent actors and organizations. These social networks are characterized by complicated interactions between people, technologies, and processes, making them cyber-physical or socio-technical in nature. However, these interactions and dependencies also bring vulnerabilities, encouraging member organizations to increase their resiliency. As organizations and digital structures become increasingly interconnected, there is a need for information sharing, and practices that anticipate future incidents and foster learning from them. Effective communication with stakeholders is essential to strengthening resilience, given the diverse interests and interdependencies between them. An integral system's perspective on an organisation in its environment emphasises relationships and interdependencies, enabling recognition of complexities to enhance resilience on various interrelated levels. Identifying trends and implementing preventive measures requires the sharing of information on threats and vulnerabilities. Open innovation, where outsiders contribute to co-creating innovations, can help organizations cope with unforeseen disruptive changes. Agility is essential for developing knowledge and adapting processes flexibly to changing contexts. Knowledge exchange between network stakeholders can reduce the complexity of communication and enable resilient collaboration. In this case study, the researchers offer a tool that is aimed at strengthening the resilience of collaborative networks by gaining a deeper understanding of each organisation's relevant processes and tools. They specifically focused on analysing and evaluating the effects of these processes on the safety of critical infrastructure. To enhance the sustainability of stakeholder collaborative networks, master's students in safety management conducted risk assessment workshops and compiled a list of characteristics. These attributes were then prioritised and incorporated into risk matrices. The results of the study revealed the key factors that contribute most significantly to the resilience of collaboration networks. These findings highlight the critical aspects that influence the resilience of collaborative networks. By incorporating these factors into their strategies and practices, organisations and stakeholders can enhance their ability to withstand disruptions and adapt effectively in the face of uncertainties.

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Published

2024-06-21