The objective of this research was to examine the capacity development of local self-governments in the field of disaster risk management (DRM). This quantitative research examines the degree of implementation of strategic, legislative, and institutional frameworks, as well as the capacity of local authorities to apply related policies through five analytical scopes: (1) degree of preparedness and legal framework; (2) financial framework; (3) policy aspects; (4) cooperation and partnership; (5) communication. The ability of municipalities and towns to respond to disasters was also analyzed and compared. In this paper, our initial hypothesis was that the effective implementation of the concept of DRM policy in towns of Serbia requires the continual strategic, tactical, and operational transformation of the public administration and public management system in order to strengthen the capacity of local self-governments for disaster prevention, preparation, response, and recovery. This multimethod research was conducted over the period of 2014–2017 and included the following two target groups: (a) heads of disaster sectors in local self-government units (mayor) and (b) employees of the DRM sector in local self-government units. The results of this research will enable decision makers to successfully respond to challenges and help to improve the capacity of local self-governments and public local administrations within the scope of DRM in the Republic of Serbia, based on the principles of prevention and proactive action, coordination, cooperation, partnership, and responsibility.

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This paper presents quantitative research results regarding a predictive model of pandemic disaster fear caused by the coronavirus disease (COVİD-19). The aim of this paper was to establish the level and impact of certain demographic and socioeconomic characteristics on pandemic disaster fear caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The research was conducted using a questionnaire that was provided and then collected online for 1226 respondents during May 2021. A closed, five-point Likert scale was used to create the structured questionnaire. The first section of the questionnaire included research questions about the participants’ socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, while the second section included issue questions about fear caused by COVID-19. The results of multivariate regression analyses showed the most important predictor for fear of COVID-19 to be gender, followed by age and education level. Furthermore, the results of t-tests showed statistically significant differences between men and women in terms of different aspects of pandemic disaster fear caused by the coronavirus disease. Our results have several significant public health implications. Women who were more educated and knowledgeable, married, and older, reported a greater fear of the outbreak at various levels. Decision-makers can use these findings to identify better strategic opportunities for pandemic disaster risk management.

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The paper highlights the importance of strengthening the country's innovative potential due to it's economic prosperity. Also the paper points out to the importance of application an appropriate metrics for assessing the effectiveness of the national innovation systems and innovation policies. In addition, the Serbia`s innovation profile was presented, through the analysis of innovation potential indicators as the factors that affect how new products, services and processes are generated, developed and implemented. Based on this analysis, proposals have been put forward for strengthening the innovation potential of Serbia and creating conditions in which organizations across the country can successfully innovate.

This project investigates the hypothesis for keeping the environment safe by using human resources at the local government level. Strategic decision-making in the management of human recourses in the field of environmental protection is crucial for the countries in transition. Lack of financial and technological resources can be compensated with other potentials. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize the decision-making process. Optimization of the existing resources under real conditions is needed in order to get better results of the implementation of adopted strategies. As an example, the scheme of optimal solution based on PROMETHEE method (multi-criteria method of optimization) is given.