A Novel Approach in Multiagency and Collaborative Response: The SYNERGISE Project Insights

Abstract

Effective disaster response requires coordinated multi-agency action under time pressure, uncertainty, and degraded conditions. Digital technologies improve situational awareness and decision-making, but operational adoption remains challenged by fragmented data, limited interoperability, and misalignment with responder practices. This paper presents work-in-progress insights from the SYNERGISE project, using a socio-technical, exercise-driven approach to develop and evaluate a Novel Integrated Toolkit for Collaborative Response and Enhanced Situational Awareness. The toolkit integrates robotic platforms, wearable sensors, augmented reality, explainable AI, and logistics optimisation, within a Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence / Incident Management System. Common Operational Picture provides role-tailored multi-source information through interfaces supporting coordination across headquarters and field teams. Field deployments highlight the potential of system-of-systems architectures to improve coordination, responder safety, and operational awareness, while exposing dependencies on resilient communication, training, and effective information filtering. The paper outlines methodological insights, challenges, and implications for future evaluations of collaborative disaster response technologies.