How to Start Learning Systems Thinking and Systems Innovation?

Quick Overview

The session introduces Systems Thinking and Systems Innovation, outlining pathways for learning through starter, foundations, and advancing courses, while contrasting linear thinking with holistic systems thinking, and detailing the importance of system maps for identifying leverage points and avoiding unintended consequences.

Key Points: The introductory session on Systems Thinking and Systems Innovation is approximately 45 minutes long and recorded. The goal is to help new and existing community members confidently start their journey with Systems Thinking and Systems Innovation, covering learning materials, certifications, and SI Network support. Learning pathways include Starter (Systems Innovation guide/intro course), Foundations (Systems Innovation course), and Advancing (Tools & Methods course). Systems Thinking emphasizes a holistic view, contrasting with linear thinking which focuses on parts, leading to a complex, interconnected understanding of systems. System mapping is introduced as a tool to gain insight into system structure, identify leverage points, and avoid unintended consequences, illustrated by the blind men and the elephant analogy. The Systems Mapping module covers System Model, Systems Mapping, Actor Maps, and Leverage Points, with the latter two being available as individual guides. The Transition Design section introduces concepts like Inception, Transformation, Emergence, and the role of the Ecosystem Builder.

Context: This video serves as an introductory information session hosted by Roma Patadia and Joss Colchester, detailing the resources available within the SI Network for learning Systems Thinking and Systems Innovation. The session covers the core concepts, the learning structure (Starter, Foundations, Advancing), and the rationale behind using systems thinking approaches, illustrated with diagrams comparing linear and holistic views of complex problems like the blind men and the elephant parable.

Detailed Analysis

The session outlines the learning journey for Systems Thinking and Systems Innovation, emphasizing a shift from linear, part-focused thinking to a holistic, interconnected systems view. The learning structure progresses through three main stages: Starter, Foundations, and Advancing. The Starter level includes an introductory Systems Innovation guide and course. The Foundations level offers the 'Systems Innovation' course (Level 1 Certification), and the Advancing level offers the 'Tools & Methods' course (Level 2 Certification). The importance of systems thinking is highlighted by contrasting it with linear thinking using the analogy of blind men describing an elephant; linear thinking only perceives individual parts (like a snake or a tree), whereas systems thinking allows for a holistic view of the entire complex system. System mapping is presented as a crucial tool for this holistic understanding, helping to identify causal relationships, leverage points, and avoid unintended consequences. Specific modules on Systems Mapping (System Inquiry Overview, System Modeling, Systems Mapping, Actor Maps, Leverage Points) and Transition Design (Transition Design Overview, Transition Models, Futures & Narratives, Systems Gardening, CoDesign Overview) are also detailed, alongside resources for Ecosystem Building. The presenters also briefly touch upon the four stages of transformative change: Inception, Transformation, Emergence, and Linear Change, contrasting them with the non-linear, emergent nature of systems change.