Linnaeus University Systems Community (LNU-STC)

Our research

The world we live in is complex, dynamic, unpredictable and in a constant changing flux. As humans, however, we tend to think linear, structured, problem-solving and simplified.

To manage the world and its dynamic complexity, and to create awareness of how we think that the world works, Systems Thinking is needed. Systems Thinking is a way of thinking about how we think: we can go in depth, discover underlying structures and patterns, and work with mental models. Our work with Systems Thinking at Linnaeus University Systems Community (LNU-STC) is within research, education and practice.

A holistic perspective

Society and business face new challenges and opportunities where digital, social, economical, environmental and political factors contribute to unforeseen complexity and multidimensional problems. With Systems Thinking we can achieve a holistic perspective and identify synergies and emergent properties that we cannot achieve with a linear mechanical thinking. We can gain an understanding of what is complex, dynamic and/or chaotic.

Systems Thinking can be seen as a number of skills to:

• Explore boundaries about who/what is inside or outside "project" boundaries,
• Map connections and relationships.
• Appreciate multiple perspectives.
• Understand how systems work as complex wholes.

At LNU-STC, we work with methods, methodologies and ideas needed to deal with the complexity we face. We apply Systems Thinking in several areas, with the main focus on digitization and digital transformation.

Examples of areas where we use Systems Thinking:

• Education
• E-health
• Digital business models
• Information-intensive organizations
• IT management and information security

Systems Thinking can be applied to all areas, subjects and situations where there are several actors, different perspectives, rapid changes, challenges and opportunities. With Systems Thinking, it is possible to map, analyze and work with increased insight and understanding – we can work with different purposes such as sustainability and viability, project management, innovation processes, organizational design and development, evaluation and future opportunities, to name a few. Systems Thinking enables us to focus on a meta-level that can contribute to a holistic perspective for a sustainable future, regardless of industry, sector or area.