Validation and deepening of factors affecting the establishment of the national incident management system in disasters: a qualitative study based on a systematic review

Iran’s proneness to disasters and inter-organizational coordination challenges necessitate a robust National Incident Management System (NIMS). This study validated a framework of factors influencing NIMS establishment in Iran. This 2025 qualitative study used directed content analysis. Data from 35 semi-structured interviews with disaster management experts were analyzed thematically, building on a prior systematic review. Four key macro-factors were confirmed and elaborated: Leadership deficits, inter-agency competition, and non-strategic planning. Ineffective training and a weak public participation culture. Unstable funding, rent-seeking, and management turnover with government changes. A significant digital divide and lack of integrated communication systems. Establishing NIMS in Iran requires foundational institutional change. Moving beyond technical fixes to address deep-rooted issues in governance, culture, and infrastructure is crucial. This study offers a native framework for policymakers.