1 / x
Complex Adaptive systemsGRS-21306
Introduction Arnold Bregt
Contents Presentation
System thinking in Wageningen
Complex adaptive systems
Complex adaptive systems and SDI
Scientific schools
Reductionism ( e.g. Rene Descartes) components
Holism (e.g. Aristotle) system
Question
What is the science view approach in Wageningen?
System thinking in Wageningen
Systems thinking is the process of understanding how things influence one another within a whole
Comparison approachesUse Newtonian techniques when the problem is:
Quiet familiar
Well defined
Closed to outside influence
Linear, the inputs and outputs are clearly distinguishable
Use complex techniques when the problem is:
New and unique
Fuzzy or unknown
Open to outside influences
Nonlinear, the inputs and outputs are not clearly
distinguishable
Example organization
In organizations, systems consist of people, structures, and processes that work together to make an organization healthy or unhealthy
Example Nature
In nature, systems thinking examples include ecosystems in which various elements such as air, water, movement, plants, and animals work together to survive or perish.
Question
Can you give examples of pro’s and con’s of both approaches?
Examples – Information system
Example Ecosystem
Complex system
Source: Complexity systems institute
Complex Adaptive System
Complex Adaptive System is a dynamic network ofmany agents (which may represent cells, species, individuals, firms, nations) acting in parallel and constantly, and reacting to what the other agents are doing (Waldrop, 1992).
Complex adaptive system
Source: Complexity systems institute
CAS Features
Components Complexity Sensitive to initial conditions Openness Unpredictability (Scale independence)
CAS behaviours
Adaptability Self organization Non-linear behaviour Feedback loop mechanism
Adaptability
Example: Self organization
Feedback loop
Non-linear behaviour
CAS as a research topic
CAS application in Wageningen
CAS is the concept/ theory
ABM (Agent Based Modelling) is the implementation)
Citations
Complex adaptive systems and SDI
Hypothesis:
CAS characteristics and behaviors can also be found in SDIs.
Dutch SDI
Structure of SDI of Flanders (Part of belgium)
SDI as CAS (assignment)
Please read the article from your reader “Spatial Data Infrastructures as Complex Adaptive Systems” and analyze your SDI case using the 10 features and behaviors mentioned in this article.