Transforming our Critical Systems: How Can We Achieve the Systemic Change the World Needs?

We are in a period of perverse economic growth that is harming social and natural capital. To address environmental and social crises, we need to reinvent critical systems like nutrition, mobility, infrastructure, and health. This Element provides insights and actionable ideas for a radical systemic reinvention, discusses stakeholder mindsets, and presents skills for leaders and a pathway for companies to drive collaborative transformation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

We are now living in a time of perverse economic growth, where the pursuit of profits is prioritized over the well-being of society and the environment. As we continue to lag behind the Sustainable Development Goals, the task of managing and mitigating the impending environmental and social crises becomes increasingly daunting, but also presents significant opportunities for businesses. Building upon previous research on systemic change, this Element offers practical insights for the radical transformation of our critical systems, such as nutrition, mobility, infrastructure, and health, to meet the needs of both humans and society. The authors highlight ten emerging paradigms for future-fit systemic change, discuss how stakeholder mindsets can be cultivated, and provide new skills for leaders and a roadmap for companies to become drivers of collaborative transformation. Additionally, this title is available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

The perverse economic growth we are experiencing today is driven by a misplaced focus on short-term profits, at the expense of social and natural capital. This trend is undermining our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and address the pressing environmental and social challenges we face. As the world becomes more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, managing and mitigating these crises will require unprecedented levels of creativity, collaboration, and resilience.

One of the biggest opportunities in this context is the need for radical systemic reinvention. We need to redesign our critical systems, such as nutrition, mobility, infrastructure, and health, to meet the needs of both humans and the planet in a sustainable and equitable manner. This will require a shift from linear thinking to a more circular and regenerative approach, where waste is minimized, resources are used efficiently, and social and environmental benefits are prioritized.

To achieve this, we need to adopt a WHAT-HOW-WHY framework. The WHAT refers to the current state of our critical systems, the HOW to the changes we need to make, and the WHY to the underlying principles and values that guide our actions. By using this framework, we can identify the root causes of the problems we face and develop innovative solutions that address them at their source.

One of the emerging paradigms for future-fit systemic change is the concept of "circular economy." In a circular economy, waste is minimized, resources are reused and recycled, and products and services are designed to have a longer lifespan. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also creates economic opportunities by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Another paradigm is the "platform economy," where digital platforms enable the sharing and collaboration of resources and services. This model has the potential to transform industries such as transportation, healthcare, and finance, by creating new business models and unlocking economic growth.

Stakeholder minds

In order to drive these systemic changes, it is essential to develop a mindset shift among stakeholders. This includes individuals, businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We need to recognize that we are all part of the same system and that our actions have consequences for both the present and the future. We need to work together.

To develop a mindset shift, we need to engage in dialogue and collaboration. We need to listen to the voices of marginalized communities and ensure that their perspectives are heard and considered in decision-making processes. We need to promote education and awareness about the importance of sustainable development and the role that businesses can play in driving it.

In addition, we need to provide new skills and training for leaders and employees. Leaders need to be equipped with the skills to navigate complex social and environmental challenges, while employees need to be trained in sustainable practices and technologies. This will enable them to make informed decisions and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Finally, we need to create a pathway for companies to become drivers of collaborative transformation. This involves partnering with other organizations, NGOs, and governments to develop shared goals and initiatives. It involves investing in research and development to create new sustainable technologies and practices, and promoting transparency and accountability in business practices.

In conclusion, we are living in a time of unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The perverse economic growth we are experiencing is a symptom of a deeper problem, where our priorities are misplaced and our systems are failing. By adopting a WHAT-HOW-WHY framework and developing a mindset shift among stakeholders, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. This will require a collective effort, where individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs work together to drive systemic change and create a world that is resilient, sustainable, and prosperous.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 150 x 229 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009410328