Reflections on the Use of Conceptual Research in Risk Analysis

A risk analysis science is developing, characterized by knowledge generation on concepts, principles, theories, frameworks, methods, and models, for understanding, assessing, characterizing, communicating, and managing risk (for short referred to as conceptual knowledge generation in risk analysis), as well as supporting risk knowledge generation of specific activities based on these concepts, principles, theories, frameworks, methods, and models. The scientific knowledge generation is based on different types of research methods. This article provides a discussion of some of these, the main purpose being to demonstrate the central role of conceptual knowledge generation and research in risk analysis. The importance of this type of knowledge generation and research is considered undervalued in risk analysis. Several examples are used to illustrate the discussion, including a risk governance framework and the anti-fragility concept.