Systems 101: Systems Thinking for Systems Change
We are living in an era of unprecedented change. Globalisation, interconnectedness, and complexity are transforming the way we live and work. As a result, we are facing a range of new challenges, from climate change to global pandemics. ‘Wicked problems’ are social, economic, political, or cultural problems that are difficult to solve because of their complex, interconnected nature. They typically involve a large number of stakeholders with conflicting values, and they often involve long-term and structural issues. Wicked problems are often contrasted with “tame” problems, which are easier to solve because they have a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Some examples of wicked problems include poverty, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and healthcare. Because wicked problems are so complex, they often require creative and interdisciplinary solutions. For example, they might require a combination of economic policies, educational initiatives, social welfare programs, environmental regulations, technological innovation, and lifestyle changes. Wicked problems are challenging, but addressing them is essential for building a better world.
Wicked problems are complex and multifaceted, with no easy solutions, which means traditional approaches to problem-solving, such as solely legislation or policy changes, are often inadequate. Instead, wicked problems demand a systems approach. This means taking into account the interconnections between different elements of the problem and finding ways to create positive change across the entire system. Only by taking a systems approach will we be able to solve the world’s wicked problems.
In this course, we’ll be diving deep into what it means to take a systems approach; systems thinking and the systems paradigm, how systems typically behave, and how we can intervene to solve systems. The skills and knowledge you’ll gain from this course can be applied to any complex system, including food systems!
