D6.2 – Midterm societal impact report

Executive summary

This deliverable provides an overview of the project’s effects on different populations in terms of its data collection methods and in terms of the solutions assessed and presented by the project. Based on this overview, it provides recommendations for the second half of ENGAGE’s lifecycle.

To do so this report first develops a theoretical framework for assessing the social impact of ENGAGE’s societal resilience approach, by insisting on a qualitative and nuanced methodology and by referring to common biases of resilience approaches as basis for its recommendations. Hence, in developing a societal impact approach that goes beyond common social impact methodologies, the project should particularly avoid five biases. First, it should not shift responsibilities from authorities and emergency organizations to victims of disaster. Second, it should avoid a fuzzy use of the resilience concept. Third, it should not be based on an oversimplified understanding of society. Fourth, the project should not overlook power relations. And fifth, it should not privilege approaches that merely promote mere adaption to crisis.

For understanding the societal impact of ENGAGE, dimensions of scale and temporality should be considered to ensure comprehensive solutions for varied societal needs and sectors, as well as to all phases of crisis management.

The report’s concrete recommendations focus on data protection adjustments for data collection and accessibility of ENGAGE’s dissemination platforms by emphasizing the inclusion of vulnerable groups.