Using systems thinking to accelerate change
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Transcript of Using systems thinking to accelerate change
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Using systems thinking to accelerate change
Ruth Rominger Garfield FoundationPalo Alto, July 17, 2013
Progress
Designing and EvolvingCollaborative Networks
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Define the System
Identify Success
Strategies
Actions
Infrastructure, Tools
Co-create a shared understanding of the system
Set common goal, direction, principles
Collaborate to align interventions
Support accelerating success
Assess, Capacities, Decisions, Learn,
Taxonomy of a Systems Approach
Garfield Foundation
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Systems Understanding Network Design
Chaos TheoryComplexity
Computer Systems
Social Networks
Collaborative Action Networks
Organizations as Systems
Ecosystems
Learning Organizations
Earth Systems
Learning/Knowledge Networks
Garfield Foundation
4 Purpose determines Structure
Designing a Network for System Change
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Increase Energy
EfficiencyRetire Existing
Dirty Coal
Mapping the Midwest Energy System Together Creating a shared understanding, audacious goal, and an insight…
Stop New Dirty Coal
Increase Clean Energy Generation
80% CO2 Reduction By 2030
Clean Up Coal
Increase Energy Efficiency
Increase Clean Energy
Stop New Dirty Coal
Self-organized
Working Groupsto develop aligned
strategies
Shared Insight! Four leverage points need coordinated intervention
in order to shift the energy system
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Inspiring the Re-Amp Network structure
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Steering Committee
CommunicationCommons
Media Center
Learning & Progress
Shared Assets
Strategic Action Fund
Support Action Learning
Knowledge Management
Learning & Progress
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Stability just enough, need flexibility, randomness
Connectivitymany loops, open, transparent
Diversity Distributed stronger, more creative together
Information Flow allows for emergence
Power Differentials control is in the way of change
Minimum Specs no more than absolutely necessary
Measurement of patterns and emergence
Principles of Network Infrastructure Design
Complex, fast-changing systems need adaptive structures that support rapid peer
learning
Guiding Principles
Democratic Governance
Shared Story
Working Groups
Communications
Action Learning
Assessing Progress
Sharing Resources
Essential Characteristics for Success
9Ruth Rominger Garfield Foundation