Systems Thinking
DEFINition
A term used to describe a perspective and a set of methods and tools that make it possible to look at the full extent of a system, rather than at fragments or parts. Taking a systems approach, it becomes clear that messy, longstanding problems are created by the systems in which they exist. To innovate on these problems, it’s necessary to find ways to see, understand and use the system itself. Definition from Social Innovation Generation.
Resources
Sig Knowledge Hub
A website designed to provide learning resources about creating conditions for social innovation and to highlight examples in Canada and around the world.
Systems Innovation
An eLearning and collaborative platform for applying systems theory towards innovating new solutions to complex problems.
The Donella Meadows Project: Academy for Systems Change
Features resources for systems change.
Systems Change
A guide to what it is and how to do it.
Thinking in Systems: A Primer
by Donella H. Meadows
Systemic Design: Alberta CoLab Info Sheet
This info sheet highlights what, why, and when to use systemic design as well as how it works in practice.
School of System Change
A space for connecting and amplifying spheres of learning and practice, and a case study of an initiative grown explicitly as a system change endeavor.
Waters Center for Systems Thinking
Provides tools and methods that help people understand, track, and leverage the connections that affect their personal and professional goals.
Collaboration Readiness
Why it matters, how to build it, and where to start.
Systems Thinking for Social Change
by David Peter Stroh
Systems Thinking: Alberta CoLab Info Sheet
This info sheets discusses what systems thinking is, what is a system, and types of systems, along with a mini guide to system mapping.
Alberta Examples
Alberta CoLab Field Guide
Look to this field guide from Alberta CoLab for mindsets, workshops, FAQs, and methods of systemic design. And connect with the CoLab team to learn more about systems thinking.
Guide to Mapping a System
A publication for students in the Map the System Challenge (which many local post-secondary institutions participate in). By Anna Johnson, Daniela Papi-Thornton, and James Stauch.
Systemic Design Exchange (SDX) Community
SDX is an Edmonton-based community of practice that convenes individuals interested in learning about Systemic Design as a methodology for addressing complex, real world issues.
Outside Alberta examples
REOS Partners
Helps governments, companies, and civil society organizations worldwide make progress on their most important complex challenges.
Academy for Systems Change
A global community of individuals, organizations and networks who are deeply involved in developing living examples that show what is possible in creating social systems that foster biological, social, and economic well being.