Collaborative governance based on Triple Helix strategy for disaster risk reduction digitalization: experience from China

Purpose Collaborative effort plays an important role in urban disaster risk reduction. The paper aims to explore how Shenzhen, China, has applied the Triple Helix strategy, integrating the efforts of government, industry and academia, to promote disaster risk reduction digitalization. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 18 key informants (5–7 interviews per stakeholder group), specifically focusing on developing the Smart Emergency Management System. One of the co-authors conducted participatory observation in Shenzhen to gain valuable insights into the origins of the disaster risk reduction digitalization efforts in Shenzhen. Findings The disaster risk reduction digitalization in Shenzhen was initiated based on the Triple Helix model. Specifically, collaborative efforts among policy-driven government, profit-driven industry and research interest-driven academia were taken to establish a digital system. As the project was implemented, citizens became increasingly involved through a new platform established by the government. The participation of citizens feeds back into the development of the disaster risk reduction system. The most important functions of digital projects are data sharing and sector connecting. Research limitations/implications In a country like China with a large land area, discussions at the local level involve different geographical environments, population characteristics and even local cultures. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to discuss more cases in different cultural backgrounds further. Originality/value This paper fulfills a case to establish disaster risk reduction digitalization based on the Triple Helix strategy, serving as a practical example for other cities aiming to improve their digital management capacities, not limited to disaster, but other developments.