1 / x complex adaptive systems grs-21306 introduction arnold bregt

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.