The efficiency of disaster and crisis management policy at the local level: Lessons from Serbia

This publication explores the quality, efficiency, transparency, and shortcomings in the application of crisis management concepts in 23 Serbian cities based on a qualitative approach. Besides enhancing knowledge about the complex field of crisis management policies at the local level, the aim is to create recommendations for necessary methodological and organisational transformations in the work of local authorities and decision-makers. This includes legal regulations and protocols, security strategies, emergency response, decisionmaking, coordination, cooperation, communication, transparency, education, and information dissemination.

Specific recommendations and proposals were provided to qualitatively improve the concept in areas where deficiencies or ambiguities were identified. The social justification of the research lies primarily in enhancing the capacity of local governments for better preparedness, response, and crisis recovery, strengthening the culture of safety, and developing "resilient local communities".