Annual Crisis Governance Meeting

Organizations operate in a dynamic environment where they are constantly exposed to a variety of risks. As the environment is not static but rather turbulent, organizations are forced to shift to a different modus operandi to adapt to the changing realities. According to the late organization and management scientist Peter Drucker, the greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence, it is to act with yesterday’s logic. Consequently, we should constantly update our knowledge and logic about how to deal with (new) dynamics in our environment.

To offer new insights here and true to our objective to serve as a bridge between theory and practice, the Chair of Crisis Governance hosted a 2-day conference where practitioners and scientists met and exchanged their expertise on various topics related to crisis governance. Below you can find a short overview of some of the amazing keynotes we had the pleasure of hosting and what we learned. 

In crisis governance no human is (or can afford to be) an island (Prof. Dr. Michel Dückers) 

Prof. Dückers presented a comprehensive framework for societal resilience, structured around five key pillars: societal systems, critical infrastructure, social cohesion, community capabilities, and crisis organization efficacy. By examining historical and current risk factors, he highlighted how interconnected these pillars are, where damage to one area can cascade across others. Emphasis was placed on aligning crisis governance with community expectations, such as ensuring safety and minimizing procedural burdens. His conclusion, “no human can afford to be an island in crisis governance,” reiterates the necessity of integrated approaches for managing both risks and citizen expectations.

Giving control to get control: a recipe for trust (Prof. Dr. José Palma-Oliveira)

Professor José Palma-Oliveira gave us some fascinating insights in what he calls the recipe of trust. Risks, such as crises have many layers of complexity which make it incredibly difficult to maneuver when faced with adversity. How to manage different belief systems can create stress which makes it even more difficult to act. For trust to occur, crisis communication needs to be authentic, working with the community instead of only communicating conclsions.  

​Preparation is the First Response (Dr. Fabian Steinmann)

Dr. Steinmann explored how cross-organization collaboration is critical for managing unexpected crises. Drawing parallels between film production teams and SWAT operations, he demonstrated how effective response strategies hinge on shared task knowledge, flexible roles, and adaptive resource management. His emphasis on "organizational bricolage" as a method for real-time problem-solving underscored the importance of having collaborative relationships and adaptable structures ready before crises occur. This model underscores building trust and cross-functional preparedness as essential elements of crisis governance.

Effective Crisis Training: A Compentency-Based Learning Initiative at the Dutch Police Force (Agnes Houweling-Meijers & Robbert Meulemeester)

This presentation highlighted an innovative competency-based approach to crisis training, addressing the need for Dutch police analysts to effectively handle media monitoring and perception analysis. Unlike traditional methods, this framework emphasizes real-world competency development by aligning training with specific crisis communication skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Implementing the 81 defined competencies led to significant learning gains, particularly in skills application, with a 45% improvement in skill-based tasks among participants. The training underscores the value of outcome-focused learning, continuous feedback, and a commitment to practical applicability in crisis situations.

​Networked Crisis Governance in the Port of Antwerp (Dr. Steven van den Oord)

Our own Dr. Steven an den Oord ended the first Annual Crisis Governance Meeting, providing a thought-provoking keynote on crisis governance, focusing on the complexity of crises as evolving processes rather than singular events. He highlighted how crises unfold through interdependent sequences, making network governance the most suitable structure for managing crises. However, networks themselves require careful governance to ensure resource allocation, coordination, and effective decision-making. Steven also discussed the critical role of network learning within the Antwerp Port community, where organizations must balance their existing knowledge with new strategies to enhance resilience. 

We would like to thank all the keynote speaker, break-out session presenters and participants for making it an incredibly successful first edition! Stay tuned for our second edition on the 18th and 19th of September 2025 by following us on LinkedIn.