Disaster response supply chain in a city: the role of SMEs

Abstract

World disasters have increased in the last decade. Given that 60% of the world population lives in cities, disaster risk reduction in towns is now a priority. We review the role of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in disaster response. Traditionally, SMEs were seen as more susceptible to disasters due to lack of resources. Hence, large firms alone could contribute to disaster recovery. SMEs' growing numbers, proximity to disaster victims and the need for social responsibility informed this review. Thus, a framework for SMEs and technologies for use in a disaster response supply chain (DRSC) are crafted. Our findings show that despite their vulnerability, SMEs have a greater, active ancillary role to play today in disaster recovery than before. SMEs can now either donate material, information, finance and personnel (MIFP) or offer these at a price in DRSC so as to promote business continuity and a quick return to normalcy.