Catalysing Business Engagement in Early Warning Systems 2025

The state of business engagement in EWS2 A growing number of businesses are providing new and innovative products or services linked to EWS. This chapter explores the current level and characteristics of business engagement in EWS. First, it outlines a framework for understanding the various roles that businesses can play in relation to the EWS system. Then, based on a survey and literature review, it presents headline findings that describe the overall state of business engagement on the issue. The framework for understanding businesses’ role in EWS starts from the EWS value chain – the four interrelated elements of EWS that work together to produce and disseminate warnings. The steps in the EWS value chain are as follows:16 –Risk knowledge: Understanding and quantifying hazards, exposure and vulnerability of persons, communities, organizations and assets –Detection, monitoring, analysis and forecasting of hazards and possible consequences: Hazard monitoring through effective and operational forecasting and warning services, with clear institutional mechanisms in place –Warning dissemination and communication: Decision-making processes, communication systems and equipment, and targeting approaches –Preparedness and response: Developing, operationalizing and regularly testing and evaluating disaster preparedness measures, including response plans, public awareness and educational campaigns Across each of these steps in the value chain, a business’s relationship with EWS can be defined as one (or more) of four types. Businesses can relate to EWS as users, vendors, partners or innovators. These terms are defined below, along with illustrative descriptions of how each type of relationship manifests within each step of the EWS value chain. Case examples of many of these types can be found throughout the rest of this document. Users: Businesses integrate EWS data to mitigate risks, identify opportunities and refine long-term strategies. While users typically consume EWS data, they also have the potential to become more engaged by enhancing and contributing to the system. –Risk knowledge: Users rely on EWS data to identify and assess risks, enabling proactive measures such as adjusting operations in high-risk areas. They also use this data to develop products and services to help others mitigate risks. –Monitoring and warning: Companies use real-time EWS alerts to modify operations, such as rerouting logistics or pausing activities in affected areas. –Communication and dissemination: Businesses receive warnings through internal and external communication channels and can play a larger role by helping disseminate critical information to supply chains, customers and local communities. –Response capability: Businesses develop emergency plans to safeguard their employees and infrastructure based on authoritative EWS warnings.2.1 Framework for business engagement in EWS Catalysing Business Engagement in Early Warning Systems 9