Training

By providing a continually updated theoretical program, alongside a platform matching and facilitating experimental collaboration between volunteers and federal, cantonal, communal, institutional, and commercial stakeholders, RESINT training follows three tracks:

Focus: transmission and development of knowledge and expertise thanks to the specific and cross-disciplinary skills of RESINT members. The courses introduce live issues in logistics and communication, offering practical, first-hand experience of interdisciplinary collaboration, data collection and interpretation (sensemaking)..

Examples of courses:

Introduction to supply chain management
Topics in economic management (A): agri-food supplies
Topics in economic management (B): raw materials
Open science, open statistics: contemporary techniques
Geodata collection and aggregation
Information demining techniques: Rumors, hallucinations, and digital folklore
Observational techniques for researching local issues
Introduction to sensemaking
Remote collaboration and data exchange (A): decentralized social networks and community media
Remote collaboration and data exchange (B): virtual worlds/metaverses/digital twins

Focus: supporting knowledge exchange, skill development, and providing access to data, tools and resources curated by Swiss authorities and RESINT volunteers.

Sample sessions:

Establishing a data collection team
Selecting sensemaking frameworks
Mediation and multi-party negotiation
Infrastructure resilience: Protecting critical assets
Topics in crisis response: Legal and ethical considerations
Topics in crisis response: Augmented reality for multi-agency coordination"
Topics in crisis response: Genetic algorithms for resource allocation"
Social network monitoring and crisis communication strategies

Focus: group activities, simulations, and field exercises to gain hands-on experience communicating and collaborating with the Swiss authorities.

Examples of activities:

Dismantling operational logistics infrastructures, including the relocation, disposal, or repurposing of fixed assets (decommissioning)
The advantages and pitfalls of friendshoring (relocating or outsourcing operations to allied countries)
Managing an alternative supply chain
Remote collaboration and data exchange in crisis contexts
See Missions

Upcoming training modules

Operational qualitative research: Local dynamics and emerging phenomena

In this course, you will learn to identify, analyse, and navigate emerging societal dynamics and the resulting frictions, including novel behaviors, rumors, misinformation, and controversies in the making. You will acquire and apply knowledge of qualitative research design, observational techniques, operational ethics, and interpersonal skills.

Introduction to local issues
Conducing observational research
Data analysis
Participatory research
Local SWOT analysis
Case studies
Mixed-method approach
Communicating research findings
Operational research practicum
Final evaluation

Organizing alternative supply chains

This course will equip you with the skills required to establish and coordinate resilient supply chains, ensuring the availability of essential goods (food, fuel, medicines). You will learn how to design flexible, adaptive systems that can minimize the risk of supply chain disruptions, and implement practical solutions to guarantee the availability of essential products. Through case studies and practical exercises, you will develop skills for successful logistics management in complex, rapidly-changing contexts.

Introduction to supply chain management
Risk assessment
Resilient design principles
Alternative sourcing and diversification
Practical exercises
Operations optimization
Monitoring, and continuous improvement
Crisis management protocols
Evaluation

Collaboration and data exchange in crisis management

In today’s interconnected world, the capacity to rapidly and effectively respond to emerging crises is paramount. This masterclass on online collaboration (CSCW) demonstrates how local actors can enhance domestic security in Switzerland and safeguard Swiss organizations abroad. You’ll discover methods for creating and maintaining relationships with local government agencies, businesses and NGOs. The course will also introduce best practices in convening and coordinating actors from different fields, supporting translocal, cross-sectoral action.

Training program
Introduction to online collaboration (CSCW)
Stakeholder identification
Effective interpersonal communication
Collaborative event planning and facilitation
Network monitoring and maintenance
Collaboration and environmental safety
Implementing CSCW and data exchange in crisis contexts

Geodata collection

Geospatial data is a necessary prerequisite for digital cartography. This course introduces techniques for collecting and aggregating data from diverse sources. You will gain valuable, hands-on experience in data genealogy, tracing the provenance and dissemination of information. A significant part of the course will be dedicated to analyzing counter-cartographic databases created and maintained by activists, citizens, and pressure groups. Participants will come to understand the benefits and limitations of these alternative maps, for example in detecting misuse of counter-maps by unscrupulous economic players. This training program offers a valuable opportunity for those wanting to improve their geodigital skills and engage with the world of maps and geodata.

Training program
Introduction to cartography
Geodata and map production
Data collection (A)
Practical fieldwork
Data collection (B)
Counter-mapping for activism and advocacy
Ethics of geodata collection and use
Geodata and cartography practicum
Aggregating geodata
Data genealogy techniques
Evaluation