Methods

The emBRACE project is methodologically rich and draws on partner expertise across the research methods spectrum. It plans to apply these methods across scales from the very local to the European using deductive and inductive methods.

The deductive methods aim at operationalising the conceptual framework derived from the earliest work packages. They mostly rely on indicators and indices which are transferable to different contexts allowing cross-local, cross-regional and cross-national comparison between the case-studies. Subsequently, an emphasis is placed on finding and evaluating existing large-scale data sets, which can be used to conduct a Europe-wide resilience assessment at the national level with a focus on disaster impacts. Generic quantitative indicators will be developed to enable comparisons between resiliencies displayed by various population groups and socio-ecological systems at similar spatial scales. Additionally, there will be a focus on regional and local scales aiming at the development, application and validation of qualitative indicators.

The inductive methods will develop an understanding of resilience that is based on empirical observation and participatory methods, relying on close interaction with stakeholders in the case studies. Such methods facilitate the capture of the many intangible effects, such as local knowledge, culture, traditions, norms and mores, which influence the process of resilience formation and yet are hard to measure, or are immeasurable through the use of solely quantitative indicators. A principal task will be to develop indicators to assess difficult to quantify aspects of the individual experience of risks and vulnerability, as well as any associated coping mechanisms. The resilience of communities will be mapped by means of network analysis based on survey data as well as small-scale workshops. Policies and social learning processes at the local and regional scale will be evaluated and agent-based modelling will focus on the long-term development of the system and how different measures change its resilience