Methods · Social Innovation
A systems approach
The idea of Systems Thinking, rooted in Ludwig von Bertalanffy's General Systems Theory: social problems do not exist in isolation but within interconnected, dynamic systems.
The theoretical foundations of systems thinking (Systems Thinking) stem from Ludwig von Bertalanffy's General Systems Theory, and from the second half of the 20th century they also became decisive in the social sciences. This summary sets out what this way of thinking means for social innovation.
1. Interconnected, dynamic systems
According to the approach, social, ecological and economic processes are interconnected, dynamic systems in which every intervention also affects other elements. These are therefore not isolated phenomena but networks in which a step taken at one point runs through the other elements as well.
2. A systems reading of social innovation
The systems reading emphasises that problems do not exist in isolation but within interconnected networks. Effective interventions therefore do not respond to a single cause but manage complex interactions — through feedback loops, adaptations and learning processes.
3. A methodological toolkit and the foundation of the knowledge base
The methodological toolkit of Systems Thinking — such as causal loops, impact maps or the analysis of stakeholder systems — is particularly well suited to interpreting urban systems, climate-adaptation programmes or participatory-governance models.
This theory can form the philosophical foundation of the entire knowledge base: urban innovations can be understood only if the social, technological and environmental dimensions are treated as an integrated system.
Living Lab perspective
Systems thinking is not one theory among many but the shared language of the knowledge base: we read urban innovations as an integrated system of social, technological and environmental dimensions.
Key takeaways
- Systems Thinking stems from Bertalanffy's General Systems Theory and, from the second half of the 20th century, became decisive in the social sciences too.
- Social problems exist within interconnected networks; effective intervention manages complex interactions through feedback loops, adaptations and learning.
- Its tools — causal loops, impact maps, stakeholder analysis — are suited to interpreting urban systems, climate adaptation and participatory governance.
Series · Social Innovation (10 parts)
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