Protocol: A controller for first-responder ecosystems

In recent years, much literature has surfaced regarding ecosystems; however, the nature of the interaction between various members of these ecosystems and how the interaction can be improved via organizational structures have remained relatively unexplored. In this paper, a survey of recent work related to business survival in the current Information Age is presented in the context of First-Responder Ecosystems. This information is synthesized in such a way as to contribute to the ongoing discussion of how members from different organizations can more easily collaborate and over time, eventually, self-organize. The approach suggested in this paper is based on the success of Internet protocol in maintaining decentralized control. This paper proposes a similar approach as an alternative to the classic hierarchical organizational structure. This innovative approach creates a synergistic environment in which community, rather than individualism, is stressed and rewarded. To compare this approach with existing ones, an agent-based simulation is being planned.