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The Call for a Shift from Risk to Resilience: What Does it Mean?
Author(s) -
Aven Terje
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
risk analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.972
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1539-6924
pISSN - 0272-4332
DOI - 10.1111/risa.13247
Subject(s) - resilience (materials science) , risk analysis (engineering) , risk management , field (mathematics) , paradigm shift , interpretation (philosophy) , risk assessment , computer science , sociology , psychology , business , political science , knowledge management , computer security , epistemology , mathematics , philosophy , physics , finance , pure mathematics , thermodynamics , programming language
Abstract In recent years calls have been made for a shift from risk to resilience. The basic idea is that we need to be prepared when threatening events occur, whether they are anticipated or unforeseen. This article questions the extent to which this call will have and should have implications for the risk field and science. Is the call based on a belief that this field and science should be replaced by resilience analysis and management, or is it more about priorities: Should more weight be placed on improving resilience? The article argues that the only meaningful interpretation of the call is the latter. Resilience analysis and management is today an integrated part of the risk field and science, and risk analysis in a broad sense is needed to increase relevant knowledge, develop adequate policies, and make the right decisions, balancing different concerns and using our limited resources in an effective way.