ABSTRACT

In this chapter, we consider the relationship between sensemaking and interoperability. This develops some of the themes that were introduced in Chapters 9 and 10 (where we considered a multi-agency response to incidents). The concept of interoperability could be viewed in terms of the technical challenge of ensuring that the equipment used by different agencies is able to operate seamlessly. From this perspective, interoperability could involve defining (and implementing) common communication protocols. Thus, sense could arise from all people having access to the same data in the same format at the same time. Whilst this might be necessary for sensemaking, it is clearly not sufficient. Two case studies involving bomb attacks (in London and in Boston) help illustrate the challenges of interoperability.