The Nordic preparedness systems are built according to a holistic perspective. Responsibility for safety and security is diversified and shared between public, community-based and market-based actors (Sandberg, 2023; Wigell et al., 2022).
Across all Nordic countries, the broad concept of security underpins a modern approach to preparedness that integrates military and civil dimensions. It requires collaboration among a range of societal actors, including the state, regions, municipalities, businesses and civil society, to build resilient capacities and ensure the continuity of vital societal functions (FIIA, 2022). The holistic model leverages public-private partnerships, as private actors frequently own and operate critical infrastructure and functions such as energy systems, data cables, railways, banking and finance, healthcare and food supply.
Responsibilities are typically divided so that each actor manages its designated area, whether under normal circumstances or during crises. The Nordic holistic view of society is an inclusive co-operative model that seeks to integrate all relevant actors into a comprehensive preparedness system (Wigell et al., 2022).