Harvard to explore emergency response failures
Acting in Time initiatives will explore the political and financial friction that can impede post-disaster efforts.
As Tom Lehrer sang, “Fight Fiercely, Harvard” — in this case against government complacency in responding to catastrophes. The university’s John F. Kennedy School of Government announced last week that it had launched a research initiative — called Acting in Time — to explore why governments are unable or unwilling to act when such events occur, FCW reported. “What’s missing is the ability of governments to act on what we know and to act in time to make a difference,” said program chairman Christopher Stone. “That’s the leadership skill set we will be trying to define through this initiative.” Among other things, Acting in Time will fund research projects dealing with such themes as how financial and political divisions within and between the private and public sectors can frustrate response efforts. Those interested in learning more can attend a Harvard conference May 4 and 5.
