With a wealth of experience and interests within the Network, we will hear perspectives and experiences of systems from members of the community and guests in a number of spotlight sessions.
We will hear from:
Gary Smith, "Don't Worry, You Are Not Alone"
Joss Colchester, The Systems Innovation Network
Mandi Relph “why HE can be considered to be a dynamically complex system”
Nick Collin, "Really complex systems: an alternative viewpoint"
This will be followed by Questions and Answers. We will also share an update on the activities of the Network and have the chance for further networking and discussion afterwards.
Agenda:
5.30pm Welcome
5.35pm Update on Network activities
5.40pm Spotlight sessions
- Gary Smith
- Joss Colchester
- Mandi Relph
- Nick Collin
6.20pm Q&A
6.30pm Close, followed by informal discussion and networking
6.45pm Meeting ends
Further information:
Gary Smith - "Don't Worry, You Are Not Alone"
As emerging systems thinkers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexity of systems and the challenges that come with applying systems thinking in real-world contexts. But in my personal journey, one truth stands out: you are not alone.
Through my work as a systems engineer and a change agent, I’ve discovered that the key to navigating complexity lies in both the robust theories of system science and the lived experiences of applying them in practice. From leading change in diverse organizations to shaping coherent frameworks for systems thinking, I’ve seen how collective efforts, shared learning, and a systems perspective can transform challenges into opportunities.
In this brief talk, I’ll share insights from my experience, highlighting how theory informs practice and how practical applications feed back into evolving theory. Whether you’re grappling with organizational change, systems engineering, or the creation of a unified systems approach, remember that others have walked this path, there is much established wisdom if you know where to find it, and we are all part of a growing community in which a coherent enterprise of system science will emerge.
Joss Colchester - The Systems Innovation Network
Joss will talk about the Si Network, the what and why of it, its history and how it operates.
The Si Network is an online platform connecting people around the world to learn and apply the ideas and methods of systems innovation towards addressing complex challenges.
Systems innovation is a new approach to innovation that tries to tackle complex social and environmental challenges through the use of more holistic & innovation-driven approaches. It is a kind of innovation that aims to change the underlying structure of a system, thus potentially enabling a more transformational kind of change - systems change - rather than incremental "innovation as usual"
Mandi Relph
why HE can be considered to be a dynamically complex system.
Nick Collin - “Really complex systems: an alternative viewpoint”
Extremely complex adaptive systems such as the economy or the society may be so difficult to understand that the best way to change or manage them may be to trust high level principles of self-organisation and avoid top-down interventions in favour of evolutionary, incremental adjustments. Systems Thinking as a discipline might benefit from more emphasis on this and taking a less scientific, modelling-based approach.
For more details about the RSA Systems Thinking Network, please see: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/micro-communities/systems-thinking-network
The RSA
With the RSA’s focus on turning collective ideas into collective action, we value design, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We also know that lasting social change requires understanding of complexity, valuing multiple perspectives and navigating interconnected systems.
We hope that you can join us.
Amin Hosseinian-Far & Tom Salmond
Co-Chairs of the RSA Systems Thinking Network
With Kate Monkhouse, RSA Fellowship Areas & Engagement Manager and Jessica Robson, Community Manager (Global)
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