Introduction to systems thinking

Fellowship Event

 -  | GMT Standard Time

Online

  • Creative Institutions and Systems
  • Social innovation

Can we think of a way to unlock the potential in people and places?

"… the world is a complex, interconnected system of systems or set of nested systems … [this means] that a deep understanding of the behaviour of these systems …  is crucial for beginning to solve these pressing systemic problems." Design for Life, Section I.

There is no panacea.  If we want to move from reactive crisis management to proactive re-imagining of the future, then we need to explore methods and tools to make sense of the systems we inhabit and continually construct.

This workshop will offer an overview of systems thinking and complexity sciences and what they might bring to coping with uncertainty and understanding the changes happening in the world. One area of great interest in systems thinking is that of intervention – what, how, when, where and why should we change anything? If we wish to unlock potential, then we should start with understanding the systemic nature of the actuality and capabilities of people and place and then explore the potential to change things, to create a good future – within the context of the many transitions that are happening in the world.

This session will be led by Ian Roderick, Director of the Schumacher Institute, an independent think tank for environment, social and economic issues. He is also a co-founder of the charity The Converging World, which is tackling climate change by planting trees and building a wind farm in India. He has a first degree in Mathematics and an MSc in Operational Research and an MSc in Responsibility & Business Practice. He was President of the UK Systems Society from 2005 to 2008.

 This event will set the scene for a follow-up event co-hosted by our Fellows Systems Network to explore the role of systems in our developing Design for Life strategy.

Taking part in Online Events 

For our interactive online events, the RSA uses the platform Zoom. It may be necessary to follow a short set-up process. To understand how Zoom uses your data, please read theirPrivacy Policy in advance. 

Zoom call joining details will be sent out via email in advance of the event. 

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments to support your participation, please let the team know by emailing: [email protected]. 

We sometimes record our online RSA Fellowship events for learning purposes, publicity and/or public viewing. By attending this event, you accept that you may appear in RSA videos or images as an attendee of this event.

Upcoming South West England Fellowship events

  • Networking at Hawkwood

    Fellowship Event

    Hawkwood College for Future Thinking, Stroud GL6 7QW

    Join us for a relaxed evening of networking at Hawkwood this September.

  • RSA Dorchester: Developing communities

    Fellowship Event

    Pavilion in the Park, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 2FG

    Join this discussion, led by Simon Standish FRSA, around the approach taken to stimulate community awareness and to develop new leaders, processes and activities in Poundbury.

  • RSA Bournemouth meetup

    Fellowship Event

    THIS Workspace, Bournemouth BH1 1BZ

    Get together with other RSA Fellows to discover what they are working on in the Bournemouth area and to hear more about the RSA’s Design for Life mission.