Practitioners in multiple disciplines could contribute to such centers, including scientists, engineers, and hazard and disaster researchers, and centers should include partnerships with federal, state, and local disaster management agencies. Indeed, it is critical that experienced and capable officials and operational elements of disaster management organizations be deeply involved in the work of these centers. One approach for engaging these groups would be to provide incremental funds to agencies specifically for working with researchers and developing next-generation technologies. Having multiple centers (rather than a single entity) also helps to ensure healthy intellectual competition, cross-fertilization of ideas, specialization in specific types of disasters and specific technology capabilities, and attention to the comprehensive needs of particular geographical areas.

Research centers could also act as a resource for agencies seeking to implement a diversified acquisition strategy and incorporate the latest best practices and a mechanism for disaster managers and responders to share experiences and communicate requirements to guide further technology developments.