Towards a mock quantum resilience theory for disaster risk reduction

Purpose The purpose of this concept paper is to introduce the notion of the possibility of developing a mock Quantum Resilience Theory. The paper aims to clarify, in concise form, how disciplined analogies from quantum theory can enrich the conceptualisation of resilience in complex adaptive systems without invoking literal physics. Design/methodology/approach We conducted a narrative, theory-led synthesis drawing on purposively sampled literature across disaster risk reduction, resilience/CAS, systems risk and quantum cognition/social science. Sources included foundational texts, critiques and quantum-inspired modelling. Using disciplined analogy, we mapped four constructs (contextuality, superposition, interference and entanglement) onto resilience attributes, explicitly rejecting isomorphism with physics. Findings Quantum resilience theory has the potential to contribute to disaster risk management by not only identifying gaps in current thinking but also offering a unifying narrative to address them. It encourages the use of advanced modelling techniques and supports a culture of adaptive management. Research limitations/implications This concept paper is based on theoretical thinking and has thus not been practically tested or modelled. This will be the focus of follow-up papers. Originality/value Using disciplined analogies from quantum mechanics for resilience and disaster risk reduction is limited. This paper proposed a novel and new way of understanding resilience in CAS.