This study explores the lessons national governments can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic, given the changing nature of crises. The report focuses on the first six months of the pandemic in the UK, examining crisis management structures and capabilities, mobilisation of resources, and coordination between government tiers. It also compares crisis response in Italy, Germany, Australia, and Singapore.

The report aims to be forward-looking and capability-focused, exploring the state infrastructure needed to support crisis response, rather than evaluating specific decisions made during the pandemic.

The report was funded by the Wellcome Trust.