Research Needs to Support the Emergency Manager of the Future

Changes in technology have dramatically transformed emergency management operations from interagency communications, to decision support systems, agency hazards analysis, and training. Dramatic advances in technology have and will continue to enhance elements of decision-making by those involved in emergency management. This paper outlines future research needs associated with the application of technology to emergency management and outlines operational issues associated with the application of technology to the emergency management system. Emergency management research will need to support developments in the technology and its impacts on the design and support of emergency management operations. Interdisciplinary research must bring new technology to traditional emergency management agencies and to integrate public, private and non-profit agencies in the emergency management process. Enhancing partnerships with other agencies allows for a broader approach to addressing emergency management issues.