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  • Essay / Systemic innovation and circular economy

    Tensions on global systems, particularly social and economic, are becoming increasingly complex and complicated. These levels of complexity and complications in turn make it difficult to use a single solution or simple strategy to solve the associated problems. Systems innovation is an approach that goes beyond a single organization or solution to bring together stakeholders associated with given systems to create an environment conducive to collaboration, innovation and potentially change. the nature of society. Some of the greatest innovation is believed to occur when we connect these diverse stakeholder groups, from different leverage points, and engage them in a systems thinking approach (Midgley & Lindhult, 2017 ). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay It is most effective to use innovation as a process that incorporates systems modeling to guide stakeholder conversations in understanding the “big picture” to help them start thinking from more systemic way. These types of conversations can describe what a future with innovative positive impacts would look like, and what might happen with associated negative consequences (Colvin et al, 2014; Gannon and Monat, 2015; Ison, 2016; Laszlo, 2017). Professor Peter Checkland, of Lancaster University, developed after 25 years of research what he called "software systems management", which is a methodology developed for solving complex real-world problems using thinking systemic. In his research, Checkland makes a clear distinction between what are defined as “hard” and “soft” systems methodologies (e.g. Checkland, 1981). Hard systems methodologies take clearly defined problems and use structured methods and scientific approaches to develop calculated ideal solutions. In contrast, soft systems methodologies recognize that not all problems are clearly defined, can be complicated, and take into account the human and social influences of these systems. Some of these factors include the multitude of different stakeholder perceptions, a creative and more intuitive approach to problem solving, and the results of these methodologies are not necessarily clear solutions but rather a stronger common understanding. When approaching the circular economy, it is imperative to consider systems thinking that integrates both “hard” and “soft” methodologies in order to achieve the desired results; However, this article focuses on systemic innovation through the soft approach technique using three approaches: systems thinking, collaborative processes and thinking, and radical innovation. The order of these approaches should be considered as is in order to guide stakeholders through specific drills and exercises. maximize engaging activities. Beginning with systems thinking exercises, stakeholders begin to work collaboratively to identify and define the available systems in order to understand their complexities, complications, individual parts, leverage points, areas of tension, limitations, their feedback, as well as current positive and positive aspects. negative consequences that exist. From there, stakeholders engage in a series of activities around collaborative processes such as stakeholder mapping, values ​​reflection.