From Technology systems to human infrastructure strategies. An exploratory analysis of an Italian two-case study on recovery after eco-disasters

This paper deals with critical issues that affect populations after environmental and ecological disasters, such as earthquakes and solutions to issues alike those is are important for the recovery and the survival of people. In doing so, this study attempts to respond to major contemporary environmental challenges and issues, mainly connected to unexpected and hazardous events, by providing a unique contribution in exploring solutions to build a sustainable future. More specifically, this study provides a conceptual framework that helps understanding how emergency can be managed in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner. Recovery after disaster and development of humanity is, yet complex, but strictly intertwined with social, economic and political factors. If computing systems, physical systems, data sources and infrastructure represents the tangible factors having a major impact on quality of life by delivering progress and advancement, yet these could not work without an intangible human and social infrastructure. The latter is the engine, better, the connective element which connects the engineering and technical infra-structure to recovery and human development. The exploratory research has been conducted through the analysis of a two-case study on two Italian cities affected by the earthquake: the city of L’Aquila in 2009 and the City of Macerata between August 2016 and January 2017. This study will lead to the conclusion that cultural, social and managerial factors are the foremost compared to other ones, hence, they are conceptually indispensable to activate the technical and technological dynamics toward development.