This pilot study investigates how AI-supported conversational agents can enhance community engagement, decision-making, and policy development in the context of crisis resilience. Using a Wizard of Oz prototype of Sage, the research examines how conversational AI can facilitate dialogue, provide data-driven insights, and synthesise diverse perspectives during crisis resilience planning.

The study applies a middle-out engagement approach, integrating speculative scenarios and assigned fictional characters to encourage participants to consider human and non-human perspectives in collaborative planning and policy development. This research highlights the potential of conversational AI to mediate complex discussions, support scenario-based learning, and foster more inclusive and adaptive approaches to decision-making in times of crisis.

The project contributes new knowledge on how digital technologies can support community engagement in crisis contexts. It also lays the groundwork for best practices in integrating AI-supported tools into community engagement, enabling governments and communities to plan more effectively for resilience in the face of climate-related and environmental challenges.