IMM: An Integrated Maturity Model for enhancing disaster resilience: A comparative analysis and framework proposal

Abstract

Natural disasters are intensifying in frequency and magnitude due to climate change and urban expansion, placing unprecedented demands on preparedness, response and recovery systems. Existing maturity models address specific facets of disaster management – such as resilience, emergency response or data interoperability – but remain fragmented and lack an integrative perspective. To overcome these limitations, we propose the Integrated Maturity Model (IMM), a unified six-stage framework that guides organizations through Awareness, Preparedness, Coordination, Resilience and Optimization. Drawing on a comparative analysis of established models, the IMM incorporates stakeholder collaboration, technology integration and policy alignment into each stage. We validated the IMM via expert workshops, multi-case studies in Chile and a 48-hour volcanic eruption simulation, measuring decision-making speed, data-sharing accuracy and protocol adherence, and tracking maturity progression over six months with linear mixed-effects models. Results demonstrate statistically significant improvements in response time (up to 40%), resource efficiency (up to 35%) and community resilience, as well as enhanced inter-agency collaboration and sustained adoption. By synthesizing best practices into a scalable, adaptable tool, the IMM offers practitioners and policymakers a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening disaster resilience across diverse contexts.

Validated through expert workshops, multi-case studies, and scenario-based testing in Chile’s national context, the model offers early insights into its practical viability and incremental transferability to similar high-risk environments.