Information Systems Resilience: The Role of Flexibility and Stability

This paper contributes to conceptualization of information system resilience. By building upon and extending the framework of Heeks and Ospina (2019), we argue that an information system's ability to be resilient lies in its balance between stability and flexibility. Based on empirical findings we suggest that a stable core and flexibility to change is crucial when a digital system is faced with unforeseen adversities. We hope to contribute to more theorizing of the information system resilience and inspire further research on this subject. The paper may also have practical value for stakeholders working with implementation of national information systems in the health sector. This is a qualitative case study conducted together with the Health Information Systems Programme (HISP) at the Institute of Informatics, University of Oslo. Our findings are based on empirical insights related to the DHIS2 software during the Covid-19 response. © 2022 Owner/Author.

Hybrid cities and new working spaces-The case of Oslo

Recent decades have seen the emergence of hybrid models of living and working associated typologies. These developments have been analysed from the perspective of different disciplines, each with their own interpre-tation of this phenomenon. Planning and architecture have addressed hybridization as a specific form of inter-action between spatio-functional features (such as mixed use, multi-functionality and flexibility) and social features (such as formal and informal interactions and the spontaneous appropriation of spaces) or have sometimes simply focused on the spatio-functional dimension in urban spaces. Studies from other disciplines (e. g. mobility networks, transportation, sociology and information technology) have shown that hybrid spaces cannot exist without access to digitalization technologies. Such technologies are accelerating hybridization processes. This study examines the complex and layered phenomenon of hybridization as a possible combination of (or interaction between) spatio-functional, social and digital features within the planning debate and related fields. Most of the case studies explored by scholars so far have focused on interactions occurring between residential, social and recreational functions, but working functions are playing an increasingly important role. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of new forms of hybridity in cities. As a consequence, the rising use of hybrid (on-site and on-line) working practices, planners, policy makers and stakeholders, as well as scholars, have increasingly discussed the concept of hybridization. In this context, various hybrid typologies of urban spaces have materialized in forms such as new working spaces (NWS) which include co-working spaces, incubators, as well as some cafe ' s and multi-functional public libraries, which have recently provided working spaces. This paper focuses on the evolving concept of hybridity from the planning perspective. Based on five hybrid NWS including their surrounding neighbourhoods in Oslo, it provides empirical evidence for an understanding of the phenomenon that may support the development of hybrid spaces and buildings and develops suggestions for planning strategies.

Palestine: The pandemic between occupation and neoliberalism

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a crisis within a crisis in Palestine. The economy of the Palestinian Territories has been weakened by and subordinated to the Israeli occupation. The post-Oslo neoliberal turn has worsened the situation. The Palestinian public institutions have a very restricted policy space and are heavily dependent on the donors' agendas. The role of the Palestinian economists and experts is significantly challenged by this unique situation, both in terms of theoretical contributions and policy-making. This chapter aims at scrutinising how to theoretically frame the specificities of the Palestinian economy and discussing both mainstream and 'heterodox' economic approaches can hardly offer effective policies and actions for a more sustainable and less unequal development, even in the aftermath of the pandemic. A number of interviews integrate the analysis about the economic debate in Palestine and the way economic thought is produced and translated into policies. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Food (in)security in a Nordic Welfare State: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Activities of Oslo’s Food Bank

This chapter explores the impact of COVID-19 on metropolitan food redistribution chains in a Nordic welfare state by analyzing the case of Oslo’s Food Bank. It assesses how alternative redistribution schemes can support the welfare state or reach out to vulnerable groups without sufficient assistance. The study finds that Oslo’s Food Bank - Matsentralen Oslo - experienced an increase in food demand and new types of recipients. However, despite the COVID-related social challenges, it was able to redistribute more food in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019 thanks to the combination of new strategies, new administrative and control systems, new internal structures, as well as the establishment of new partnerships. The increased food demand and the availability of surplus food combined with the food bank's capacity to adapt to sudden changes suggest that the provision of food security requires the presence of dedicated institutions with the flexibility to make quick adjustments and connect supply and demand. The study shows that food banks complement the welfare state in bringing social services and additionally reduce food waste. They thus combine socio-economic and environmental services, which are beyond the scope of public financial transfers. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.