Date: 22–25 October 2024
Researchers of the SUDEM (Sustainable Disaster and Emergency Management Processes Digitization) Erasmus+ project presented their latest research at the Twentieth Anniversary International Scientific Conference “Space, Ecology, Safety (SES 2024)”, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 22–25 October 2024.
The conference paper entitled “Foresight for Graduate Professionals in Disaster Management” focuses on the future development of higher education for disaster and emergency management professionals. The study analyses current disaster risks in Bulgaria, existing disaster management systems, and proposes innovative educational approaches aimed at strengthening preparedness through digital transformation.
A significant part of the research explores the application of Foresight and Horizon Scanning methodologies for anticipating future technological developments in disaster management. The authors identify key trends that are expected to shape the next generation of emergency management systems, including:
- Artificial Intelligence for decision support;
- autonomous drone technologies;
- Internet of Things (IoT);
- multispectral sensing;
- resilient critical infrastructure;
- cybersecurity and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.
The paper also highlights the importance of developing digital curriculum modules for graduate professionals, integrating disaster management into university programmes, expanding lifelong learning opportunities, and strengthening cooperation between academia, public authorities, emergency services, and industry.
The presented research directly contributes to the objectives of the SUDEM project by supporting the digitalisation of disaster and emergency management education and promoting innovative teaching methods that prepare future professionals for emerging challenges.
Publication
Dimo Zafirov, Georgi Georgiev. Foresight for Graduate Professionals in Disaster Management. In: Proceedings of the Twentieth Anniversary International Scientific Conference “Space, Ecology, Safety (SES 2024)”, Sofia, Bulgaria, 22–25 October 2024, pp. 274–278.
