Fraunhofer Institute for Technological Trend Analysis

In the development of innovations over the past decades, data-driven methods have become commonplace. Alongside advantages in effectiveness and efficiency comes the danger of relying on data describing past rather than future developments which can result in a loss of imagination and creativity. In parallel, a growing awareness of the interface between innovation and science fiction can be observed in academia and among practitioners. This awareness is most often based on the hypothesis that taking inspiration from science fiction can create value in the development of innovations. Despite numerous case studies in the literature describing this interface, a major part of methods applied seem to have been chosen in an unstructured, almost random way. This study investigates the literature in search of science fiction-related methods able to support the development of innovations. With around 60.000 publications considered based on a high-level search, a refined search combined with a manual search led to 17 science fiction-related methods to support the development of innovations. Using a six-phase generic innovation process, the methods identified were mapped into the process based on semantic similarities between the objectives of each method and the objectives of innovation process phases. This mapping is understood as an overview and conceptualization offering a baseline for future academic research and guidance for practitioners on choosing the most appropriate science fiction-related methods for developing innovations. • Science fiction related methods for innovation mapped to a six-phase innovation process • Systematic literature review (PRISMA-inspired) across academia and grey literature • Practical selection guide for choosing science-fiction related methods by goal-to-phase fit • Tools for foresight and ideation: scenarios, wild cards, future personas, prototyping • Strong impact in the fuzzy front end: broadens ideas and reduces bias

Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in a comprehensive and efficient manner requires consideration of needs of diverse stakeholders. Co-creation intends to involve all pertinent stakeholders, from the identification of needs through to the development and finally implementation of suitable solutions. However, challenges exist in multi-country projects that may hamper the implementation of co-creation. This article explores opportunities and challenges associated with co-creation in EU projects in DRR. It builds on literature mainly of applied science and draws upon insights gained from two EU Horizon 2020 projects: RiskPACC, which developed and implemented a co-creation approach to better understand different risk perceptions and to foster two-way communication among citizens and civil protection authorities, and Firelogue, which in applying a co-creation approach, aimed to explore the design of integrated wildfire risk management approaches under consideration of justice aspects. Opportunities of co-creation include fostering mutual understanding, matching needs with possible solutions, and involving all relevant stakeholders. Challenges include mutual understanding among diverse participants, time and resources, (continuous) involvement of all relevant stakeholders, equitable distribution of power to justly recognize different interests, and required skills in co-creation. In addition, specific considerations in relation to characteristics of EU projects involving multiple countries concern challenges of language, funding conditions, the possibly higher number of stakeholders, and questions of representativeness. Co-developed solutions within a project are at risk not to be implemented after the project. However, the facilitation of networking and establishing relationships present an advantage of co-creation that is possibly supported within large interdisciplinary and multi-country projects. • Co-creation is suitable to enhance disaster risk reduction. • Co-creation approaches in EU research projects bring specific opportunities and challenges. • Co-creation can essentially enhance practical impact of research. • Co-creation asks for policy support to be effective in the long-term.

The DIREKTION project, funded under Horizon Europe, aims to revolutionize disaster resilience through advanced technology and collaboration. Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and dynamic population densities, it seeks a paradigm shift in emergency responses. By integrating innovative technologies with the practical needs of responders and policymakers, DIREKTION enhances cross-sectoral harmonization and fosters stakeholder communication. Early outputs include drafts of the DIREKTION Assessment and Screening Framework and D-SAT tool, establishing a foundation for future development. The project's presentation at ISCRAM invites valuable feedback and engagement, highlighting its commitment to improving disaster management practices and fostering a more resilient society.