Merve Yorulmaz thesis defense

Event details :

Thesis Title: Crises, Chaos, Creativity: Exploring the Mechanisms of Building Municipal Resilience

The jury is composed of:

Mr Emmanuel Müller, Professor, BETA, University of Strasbourg – Thesis supervisor

Ms Helène Akimova, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Mr Thierry Burger-Helmchen, University of Strasbourg, BETA

Ms Ksenija Djuricic, Strasbourg School of Management

Mr Merdan Seker, Hochschule Kehl, University of Applied Sciences Kehl

Mr Richard Shearmur, McGill University

Abstract: In today’s era of polycrisis, municipalities face rising pressure to safeguard stability and public safety while building resilience and adapting to volatile, uncertain conditions. Research indicates that creativity can support coping with uncertainty and ambiguity, thereby strengthening resilience for future challenges. Yet, little is known about these creative dynamics in the municipal context, particularly regarding the roles of resource use and leadership. This research draws on semi-structured interviews with 13 representatives from five German municipalities and an expert validation workshop with 21 participants from academia and municipal practice. Findings show that in times of crisis, deviation from protocol, improvisational resource use, and courageous, risk-taking leadership were decisive. The research demonstrates how municipalities, as bricoleurs, can exhibit agility and balance competing demands in turbulence while also fulfilling their core duties and responsibilities.

Keywords: Municipal Resilience; COVID-19; Creativity; Leadership; Resources; Agility