Digital transformation in disaster management: A literature review

Abstract

While there have been studies focused on digital transformation (DT) in industry, we lack an understanding of how it materializes in disaster management (DM). This research provides a literature review of IT-enabled and digital initiatives in DM and examines the potential for DT in the field. We analyzed 254 articles from six different disciplines on the use of digital technology in DM and then developed a framework that organizes the central concept of DT in DM around five key areas. Using this framework, we explain the key digital capabilities necessary in DM to develop and implement authority- or public-driven initiatives, articulate and demonstrate DT differences in the industry setting, and provide avenues for future research in this area.