This course is built upon our series of 21 guides that cover the full suite of ideas and methods involved in systems innovation. The course consists of the set of guides combined with a 1-hour video lector for each guide where we go over the guides content in more depth to highlight the key themes, concepts and learning points.
What are the Systems Innovation Guides? These are a series of PDF guides for learning about systems innovation; method or process for doing systems change and can be likewise use to scaffold a learning program, run a workshop or change lab. Each guide presents one key aspect to doing systems innovation along with existing models and methods. The guides are a summation of the answers that currently exist to the core set of challenges or questions that need to be answered in a systems change initiative.
Why do we need guides? Systems innovation is a very new area with little to support people in practice when it comes to navigating the many new ideas - these guides work to provide an accessible single point of access for the many different ideas, methods and models
Section 1. Systems Thinking
The same old thinking will create the same old results, thus we need to start by changing our way of thinking and looking at the world. The aim is to elevate our thinking and vision of the system from seeing not just parts but to start to understand it as a whole system. To learn to recognize and work with complexity rather than pushing against it.
Section 2. Systems Inquiry
We should not change a system without first gaining a deep understanding of its overall structure and workings. The aim of systems inquiry is to give us an in-depth analysis of the current state of the system. This section of the guides will walk members through the tools needed for them to start to build their own systems maps.
Section 3. Systems Change
Now that we have an understanding of the system we wish to change it is time to start to think about where and how we may influence it. Understanding transition processes within complex organizations through various models. How to influence these changes by identifying leverage points and working with context.
Section 4. Systems Building
The job of the systems innovator is to develop collaborative ecosystems that align diverse actors in new synergistic ways. As such we have to develop new forms of networked organizations. The key aspects to consider in building collaborative networks of diverse actors and realizing systemic impact.
Certificate of Completion
Follow along for all the guides and presentations for the full 17 weeks you will get your Systems Innovation Guides Certificate of Completion.
