You are most welcome to the seminar, which focuses on systems theories relevant to sustainability research.

The seminar is designed as a broad introductory session in which several system-theoretical perspectives will be presented in short 10-minute introductions. The aim is not to provide exhaustive coverage of the field, but to open up discussion on how different system theories can support research on sustainability, innovation, and systemic change.

The seminar will include brief introductions to the following perspectives:

• Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) – Ella Tolonen
• Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) – Hassan Yousaf
• Ostrom’s Social-Ecological Systems Framework – Jouni Juntunen
• Meadows’ systems thinking – Inês Peixoto
• Tischner’s System innovations – Jouni Juntunen

In the introductions, we focus on three main perspectives. First, what is the disciplinary background of the theory and the type of system it addresses? Second, what are the theory’s main principles at a general level? Third, how and in what kinds of research can the theory be applied?

After the introduction, we move to discussion on identifying overlaps, complementarities and differences between these perspectives and researcher experiences in using these theories,

Open call for additional system theories

We recognize that this selection does not cover all relevant system theories. Therefore, the seminar also includes an open call for colleagues who would like to introduce an additional system theory that is missing from the current agenda.

If you would like to propose an additional theory and present it, please contact jouni.juntunen@uwasa.fi by 18th May.

Hope to see you all who are interested in sustainability, systems thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary research.

Best regards,
Jouni & Ella