RiscBal, an Innovation Ecosystem Co‐Created From Physical Geography Research and Public Emergency Management in a Mediterranean Flood‐Prone Region

ABSTRACT Flood events are the most common weather‐related hazard in Europe and Spain, comprising 41% of such events between 2001 and 2020. Mediterranean catchments, with steep slopes and short river courses, are particularly vulnerable to intense convective rainfall, often triggering flash floods. To address this risk, the University of the Balearic Islands developed RiscBal, an innovation ecosystem featuring a high‐resolution Multi‐Hazard Early Warning System. Its core, RiscBal‐Warnings, integrates real‐time data from 56 discharge‐monitoring stations and 32 rainfall/soil moisture stations, forming the RiscBal‐Control network. These stations are positioned in high‐risk and historically flood‐prone areas. This paper focuses on the innovation management behind RiscBal's design and integration into regional governance. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder co‐creation, and institutional alignment, RiscBal demonstrates how managing innovation can translate scientific knowledge into actionable, context‐sensitive solutions. The system's performance was tested during the August 15, 2024, flash flood in Es Mercadal, Menorca, providing critical lead time for emergency response. However, issues like telecommunication gaps and early‐stage hydrological modeling prompted improvements, including redundant systems. Riscbal's modular and interoperable design supports polycentric risk governance and continuous feedback between academia, government, and municipalities. Adaptable to other Mediterranean and global flood‐prone regions, it offers a replicable framework for climate resilience. The paper also explores adoption challenges, emphasizing trust, usability and resource constraints.