Beyond Systems Thinking from edX

Climate change, biodiversity loss, pan-syndemics, and energy dependencies are some of today's most pressing complex challenges. Much of our economies are exhaustive, vulnerable, and unfair. We must actively restore and regenerate ecosystems while transforming our economies to become more circular and just. We require new knowledge systems and cultures leading to transformative action as the human impact on earth needs to be fundamentally redesigned.

Scientific knowledge and reasoning are fundamental tools to guide policy decisions, especially in times of crises. Limitations of reductionist science are evident due to the lack of widespread action in addressing today's highly complex challenges, which are self-emergent, unpredictable, span across nested scales, depend on societal behavioral transitions, and lack data.

Design offers creative ways of intervening iteratively, responding to a current problem by prototyping future pathways. Designerly praxis benefits from science, for example, by directing interventions and leveraging relationships based on quantitative data. Neither science's analytical and descriptive tools nor the iterative design process alone are adequate for addressing complex challenges. Combining both cultures and methods of reasoning as a fluid, intervention-based, and synergistic process is beneficial for fostering the urgently required regenerative, transformative action.

This MOOC series, "Designing Resilient Regenerative Systems” offers four consecutive MOOCs that address these urgent and complex challenges. Participants emerge on a learning journey including an emphasis on holistic worldviews, concepts like regeneration and resilience, befriending complexity and uncertainty, methods and hybrid practices of science and design, connecting more with our inner self, and becoming bio-regional weavers within communities of learning and praxis.

This second MOOC focuses on scientific and designerly ways of dealing with complexity. By developing a critical perspective on systems thinking, participants embody their practice of navigating in complexity by continuously zooming out and in as a view from above. A functional understanding of transformative resilience is complemented with an introduction to social network analysis. We learn about circularities and how to design for circularity, leading us to the final theme of how to innovate in complex systems - systemic innovation.

What you'll learn

This MOOC series is about creating positive impact on complex systems. It is about navigating complexity and uncertainty with new tools and practices, such as “organic emergence:” flexible ways to engage with unpredictable complexity based on tools and social trust, to cope with sudden challenges, and to reveal hidden opportunities. Extending your supportive social networks in your region and a global context is one significant benefit of this program.

In this second MOOC, “Beyond Systems Thinking,” you acquire a critical understanding of systems thinking and develop your toolset for dealing with complexity. You learn to embody “view from above” practices, a continuous zoom-in-zoom-out technique to navigate in complexity - physically and theoretically. You deepen a functional, transformative perspective on resilience and learn the basics of social network analysis, a powerful method to design in complexity. You extend the current notion of a circular economy to multiple types of circular flows and their applicability across spatial and governance scales. Finally, you explore different examples of systemic innovation and relate such illustrations with your own “Quest,” your endeavour, in your regional context.

Exciting real-world illustrations will take you to living systems labs in Hemsedal, Norway; Annecy, France; Ostana, Italy; and Mallorca, Spain. This offers a comparative understanding of communities and regions undergoing sustainability transitions across different contexts, cultures, climates, and geographies.

The MOOCs’ didactics are designed to combine time- and place-independent virtual learning through pre-recorded conversations, both accessible as movies and audio files, readings, and practical engagement in nature. Virtual content stimulates physical and social interaction in the participants' bio-region. Systemic Cycles takes us on a conscious exploration of place and circularities on a bicycle to playfully learn systemic design methods, weave together local and regional networks, and explore the inner self through physical activity. An accompanying visual mapping process called Gigamapping is a designerly way to co-create your learning journey and connect across the MOOC series to your final transformative design project. Your personal QUEST guides you through your learning journey. At the end of this course, you will be a better leader for transformative change towards regeneration.

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Studies scientific and designerly ways of dealing with complexity

Emphasizes holistic worldviews and concepts like regeneration and resilience

Teaches students to embody the “view from above” practice to navigate complexity

Develops understanding of transformative resilience and social network analysis

Instructs on circularity, and how to design for circularity

Examines systemic innovation and relates examples to students’ own endeavors in their regional context

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Beyond Systems Thinking with these activities:

Find a Mentor in the Field of Regenerative Design or Systems Thinking

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Gain valuable guidance and insights from experienced professionals to enhance your learning and career growth.

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Identify your areas of interest within regenerative design or systems thinking
Network with professionals in your field and attend industry events
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in learning from them

Start a Community Garden Project to Promote Local Food Production and Resilience

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Apply concepts of circularity and regenerative design to create a community-based initiative that promotes local food production.

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Identify a group of interested individuals or organizations in your community
Secure a suitable location for the community garden
Design the garden using principles of circularity and regenerative agriculture
Implement the garden, including planting, maintenance, and harvesting
Promote the community garden and engage with the community to encourage participation and support

Participate in a Peer Study Group on Systemic Innovation

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Engage with peers to discuss and exchange ideas on systemic innovation.

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Find a peer study group or form one with classmates
Choose a topic related to systemic innovation to discuss
Prepare for the discussion by reading relevant articles or books
Participate actively in the discussion, sharing your insights and learning from others

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Watch Online Tutorials on Social Network Analysis

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Gain a fundamental understanding of social network analysis methods and techniques.

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Search for online tutorials on social network analysis
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts and techniques
Apply the techniques to analyze a social network of your choice

Read 'The Systems View of Life' by Fritjof Capra

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Provide a foundational understanding of systems theory and its applications in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

View The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: The Systems Perspective
Read Chapter 2: The Living Systems
Read Chapter 3: The Mind and Consciousness

Create a Mind Map or Concept Map of Systems Thinking Concepts

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Develop a deeper understanding of the key concepts and relationships in systems thinking.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Identify the main concepts of systems thinking
Create a mind map or concept map that visually represents the relationships between the concepts
Share your mind map or concept map with others for feedback and discussion

Apply Systems Thinking to a Real-World Problem

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Develop the ability to analyze complex problems and identify systemic solutions.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Identify a real-world problem that you are interested in solving
Analyze the problem from a systems perspective, considering the relationships between different components and factors
Develop a systemic solution that addresses the root causes of the problem

Develop a Proposal for Implementing Circular Economy Practices in a Real-World Context

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Apply knowledge of circular economy principles to design and propose innovative solutions in a real-world setting.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Identify a real-world context where circular economy practices could be implemented
Research and analyze the current state of the context, including resource flows, waste generation, and potential opportunities for circularity
Develop a detailed proposal outlining the circular economy practices that could be implemented, the benefits and challenges of the proposal, and a plan for implementation and monitoring

Career center

Learners who complete Beyond Systems Thinking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Thinker

Systems Thinkers apply systems thinking principles and practices to address complex challenges in a variety of fields, including business, government, and healthcare. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a deep understanding of systems thinking and introduces participants to advanced methods for dealing with complexity, such as social network analysis and systemic innovation. By taking this course, participants can develop the skills and knowledge needed to analyze complex systems, identify leverage points for intervention, and create systemic solutions.

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Regenerative Designer

Regenerative Designers focus on creating sustainable and resilient systems by working closely with nature and considering the long-term impacts of their designs. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a deep understanding of regenerative principles and practices, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge needed to design regenerative systems that support human well-being and environmental health. The course's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and transformative action will be particularly valuable for Regenerative Designers seeking to create positive change through their work.

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Circular Economy Manager

Circular Economy Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to reduce waste and increase resource efficiency within organizations. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course offers a comprehensive overview of circularity, covering topics such as circular design, material flows, and business models. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and insights that can help them contribute to the transition towards a circular economy, creating a positive impact on the environment and business performance.

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Environmental Consultant

With a growing focus on environmental issues and climate change, Environmental Consultants are tasked with providing expert advice, developing strategies, and researching ways to minimize environmental impact and protect natural resources. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course delves into systemic design and circular economies, providing insight into how interconnected and complex environmental issues are. Participants can gain an understanding of the challenges faced by companies, governments, and non-profit organizations in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. The course's emphasis on regenerative action and transformative resilience also aligns with the responsibilities of Environmental Consultants, who are often tasked with developing innovative and sustainable solutions.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a deep understanding of systems thinking and introduces participants to advanced methods for dealing with complexity, such as social network analysis and systemic innovation. By taking this course, participants can develop the skills and knowledge needed to analyze complex environmental issues, identify leverage points for intervention, and create systemic solutions.

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Complex Systems Engineer

Complex Systems Engineers apply systems thinking and engineering principles to design and manage complex socio-technical systems. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a critical understanding of systems thinking and introduces participants to advanced methods for dealing with complexity, such as social network analysis and systemic innovation. By taking this course, participants can develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of complex systems engineering.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers oversee sustainability programs and initiatives within organizations, ensuring that environmental, social, and economic considerations are integrated into decision-making. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability principles and practices, including circularity, resilience, and transformative action. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and insights that can help them lead their organizations towards more sustainable and responsible operations.

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Sustainability Analyst

Sustainability Analysts monitor and evaluate sustainability strategies, trends, and policies, helping organizations make informed decisions and implement effective practices. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a strong foundation in circularity, resilience, and complexity, which are core concepts in sustainability. The course's emphasis on practical methods and real-world examples will equip participants with the skills needed to analyze sustainability issues, develop strategies, and drive positive change in their workplaces and communities.

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Innovation Consultant

Innovation Consultants help organizations develop and implement innovative solutions to complex challenges. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a framework for understanding complexity and introduces participants to advanced methods for fostering innovation. By taking this course, participants can develop the skills and knowledge needed to guide organizations through the innovation process and create successful new products, services, and processes.

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Climate Adaptation Specialist

Climate Adaptation Specialists focus on developing strategies and implementing measures to help communities and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of climate change. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a comprehensive understanding of climate change and its effects, as well as the principles of resilience and transformative action. Participants will learn about innovative approaches to climate adaptation and gain valuable insights into how to design and implement effective adaptation strategies.

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Design Researcher

Design Researchers use research methods and design principles to understand users' needs and develop innovative solutions. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a strong foundation in systems thinking, resilience, and circularity, all of which are essential concepts for design researchers. Participants will learn how to conduct user research, develop user-centered design solutions, and evaluate the impact of their designs.

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Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs combine business principles with social and environmental goals to create positive change. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a strong foundation in systems thinking, resilience, and circularity, all of which are essential concepts for social entrepreneurs. Participants will learn how to design and implement social enterprises that address complex social and environmental issues, while also generating financial sustainability.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policies. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a critical understanding of systems thinking and introduces participants to advanced methods for dealing with complexity, such as social network analysis and systemic innovation. By taking this course, participants can develop the skills and knowledge needed to analyze complex policy issues and develop effective policy solutions.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and manage the use of space in urban areas, considering factors such as land use, transportation, housing, and environmental sustainability. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a comprehensive understanding of systems thinking and introduces participants to advanced methods for dealing with complexity, such as social network analysis and systemic innovation. By taking this course, participants can develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement sustainable and resilient urban plans.

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Sustainability Educator

Sustainability Educators teach and promote sustainability principles and practices. The *Beyond Systems Thinking* course provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability principles and practices, including circularity, resilience, and transformative action. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and insights that can help them develop and deliver effective sustainability education programs.

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Beyond Systems Thinking

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