Systems thinking for transformation

The systems thinking for transformation (SYSTRANS) project will explore ways in which IIASA can extend its public engagement and education efforts to foster systems thinking and transformation.

© Ievgen Soloviov | Dreamstime

© Ievgen Soloviov | Dreamstime

More than ever before, today’s world is faced with a growing number of unprecedented challenges. To overcome these highly complex challenges, integrated approaches from multiple subject areas are needed. Although a shift towards systems thinking has recently begun, it is not yet adopted as a standard mode for problem solving in policy making. In addition, there is a lack of teaching programs to train the next generation of systems analysts.

The SYSTRANS team consist of members from a variety of IIASA programs and departments, including Ecosystems Services and Management, Risk and Resilience. 

The project follows a multi-method, feedback-driven approach and aims to:

  • promote systems thinking as an essential 21st century skill;
  • introduce systems thinking to the general public and in specific; target groups (young people, future policy- and decision-makers); and
  • draft a future strategy for further establishing IIASA as a pillar of engaging the public with systems thinking.

The main outcomes and deliverables of the project are:

  • A systems thinking framework that can be operationalized for engagement and learning programs.
  • An extended network and working collaborations in the field of public engagement and education for systems thinking with a specific focus on young people (pre-college/university and undergraduate level).

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Last edited: 23 August 2016

CONTACT DETAILS

Gerid Hager

Research Project Lead Novel Data Ecosystems for Sustainability Research Group - Advancing Systems Analysis Program

Timeframe

June 2016 - June 2017

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria
Phone: (+43 2236) 807 0 Fax:(+43 2236) 71 313