Call for shared standards as cities face fragmented data in crises

Cities are struggling to coordinate disaster response because of fragmented digital systems and incompatible data formats, according to a new report that calls for common standards and interoperable platforms to support faster, data-driven decision-making.

The study, from the National Institute for Standards and Technology in the US, argues that “standardised data exchange and communication protocols are essential to bridging gaps between systems and sectors,” while interoperable systems “allow for faster, more informed decisions that ultimately save lives.”

Workshop participants pointed to emerging tools such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, drones and GIS as key enablers of “real-time situational awareness,” helping communities anticipate threats and model the impacts of extreme events. Coral Gables, Florida, showcased its digital twin as a practical method to “enhance city operations and community preparedness, with a focus on disaster resilience.”

Alongside this technology shift, there was strong support for dual-use digital platforms that function during both normal operations and emergencies. Participants argued that “the key advantage of this approach is that it allows communities to build familiarity with the system through frequent use,” boosting trust and speeding response times when crises occur. However, they cautioned that overuse in day-to-day settings could trigger “message fatigue,” reinforcing the need for clear prioritisation and dedicated emergency modes.

Community engagement and trusted communication

The report emphasises that resilience cannot be achieved through technology alone. Participants described trust as “fundamental to resilience,” noting that without credible messengers and accessible information, digital tools will fail to reach those most at risk. One participant warned that preparedness efforts must include “vulnerable populations… or we risk leaving significant gaps in our response.”

Community organisations, faith groups and local leaders were identified as essential intermediaries for communication, particularly during the early phase of a crisis. The report argues that “trust is best built before a disaster occurs–through local, credible sources that community members rely on,” and recommends two-way communication platforms that allow residents to ask questions, provide data and influence decisions.

Governance, partnerships and performance

Participants called for governance structures that align local, state and federal efforts, arguing that fragmented approaches create delays during high-pressure incidents. Standardised frameworks were seen as essential to coordinate decision-making but must also balance efficiency with transparency to maintain public confidence.

Public-private partnerships were highlighted as critical to resilience, particularly in areas such as telecommunications, supply chains and energy. As one participant noted, “the private sector plays a key role in filling gaps that public resources alone can’t address,” especially when restoring essential goods and services after disruption.

The report urges cities to adopt performance indicators that measure both systems and people. Rather than relying on high-level averages, participants recommended metrics that reflect distributional outcomes, engagement and behavioural readiness. Suggested measures include the percentage of residents practising evacuation plans, the effectiveness of multilingual communication, and the capacity of neighbourhood networks to mobilise support.

A new research agenda

The report proposes a national agenda focused on standards-setting, pilot testbeds, model governance frameworks and community-centred innovation. There was strong interest in applying AI to disaster planning in ways that are explainable and trustworthy, and in using simulation and gaming to increase public engagement. Participants suggested that pilot environments could “allow us to experiment with new ideas safely and refine them before rolling them out on a larger scale.”

Overall, the report positions disaster resilience as a combined social-technical challenge, requiring new tools, new standards and new relationships between governments, businesses and communities. As one participant summarised: “Above all, trust is the key.”

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