Trend Analysis Civil Protection 2035 Uncertainties, Challenges and Opportunities
This report represents the third installment in a series focused on identifying and analyzing trends significant for civil protection in Switzerland. It provides insights into trends expected to significantly impact the nation's civil protection system within the next five to ten years. Initiated by the Federal Office of Civil Protection (FOCP), this report aims to enhance horizon scanning capabilities within civil protection, a field necessitating ongoing adaptation.
“Civil protection systems must be constantly refined to be prepared for future crises. This requires strong political will and unity among cantonal and federal decision-makers to maintain a proactive approach to civil protection that focuses on continuous improvement and preparedness, even in the absence of immediate threats.”Jurgena Kamberaj, Simon Aebi, Andrin Hauri, and Wiktoria Gajos
This report is the third reiteration in an ongoing series dedicated to identifying and examining evolving trends relevant for civil protection. It offers an overview of relevant trends that are expected to have a substantial impact on Switzerland and its civil protection system over the next five to ten years. The report is part of the Federal Office of Civil Protection’s (FOCP) initiative to strengthen horizon scanning capabilities in the field of civil protection, which is a dynamic field that requires continuous adjustment. It underscores the importance of early detection and assessment of emerging challenges and opportunities, particularly for policymakers and other stakeholders.
The primary objective of this report is to provide a solid basis for adapting and enhancing civil protection strategies on the three levels of government (federal, cantonal, communal). It aims to be a valuable tool to identify key areas for investment, improvement, and strategic prioritization. Additionally, this report supplements the existing research done by the FOCP, in particular the National Risk Analysis process.
The methodology used for this report has been instrumental in bringing together relevant stakeholders from across the entire spectrum of the Swiss civil protection system. It offered an opportunity to gather insights from practitioners at the communal and cantonal level through to federal authorities involved in strategic civil protection planning. This collaboration is key to developing a cohesive and evidence-based approach to civil protection and it ensures that Switzerland stays ahead in terms of effective risk management and opportunity harvesting.