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Explorations in the Transition from a Techno-economic to a Socio-technical Future
This discussion previews material from the upcoming book, Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 – Explorations in the Transition from a Techno-economic to a Socio-technical Future, to be published as an open-source book through Springer in March 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwABA0Ch2Sg
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Handbook of Systems Sciences – new access
The Handbook of Systems Sciences, published by Springer in 2021, can be accessed in three different ways: Through libraries which subscribe to the Springer Reference Series. By purchasing the handbook ($699.99), or individual chapters ($29.95), which gives full, unlimited access: https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-981-15-0720-5 (Select a chapter title for purchase of that chapter.) Through SharedIt, a service purchased by Springer Nature, which provides free, read-only online access to individual chapters. Links for each of the chapters of the Handbook of Systems Sciences are listed below: Metcalf, G.S. et al. (2021). Introduction to the Handbook of Systems Sciences. In: Metcalf, G.S., Kijima, K., Deguchi, H. (eds) Handbook of Systems Sciences. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978 981…
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A Dark Matter of Memory: Adding fiction novel to our repertoire
I’ve recently published a novel, A Dark Matter of Memory. It explores the possibility that dark matter (which is a placeholder for unknown parts of the universe) might retain patterns of history. Not only was it a great deal of fun to write, it’s also a different way of approaching social systems design. What possibilities can we imagine, which might then shape the work that creates them? “A Dark Matter of Memory is a love story set in a future beyond nation-states. Alfred Medupe, a young scientist from the African Region, is exploring the possibility of finding memory in dark matter. Then a tragedy makes his search more personal. Is…
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Dr Gary Metcalf Receives Climate Reality Leadership Certification
On July 26, 2020, Dr. Gary Metcalf received the Climate Reality Leadership Corps certification from the Climate Reality Project for the completion of training received. This certificate was signed by Al Gore, Chairman and Ken Berlin, President and CEO.
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Social Systems and Design podcast
This podcast was hosted by Tom Scholte, as part of the New Books in Systems and Cybernetics series.
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The complexity of climate change and the need for policies of resilience
Forthcoming in the Journal on Policy and Complex Systems *** Abstract: The challenges presented by climate change may be the most complex issues humans have faced. It is critical to capture that complexity in ways that can be understood across disciplines. Equally daunting is the task of developing policies which can translate into actions. Scientifically, humans need to cease all use of fossil fuels as soon as possible. Feasibly, that could wreak havoc on global economies. This paper explores the design of policies which could move human societies towards resilient and biophysically sustainable systems. The petrochemical industry is considered as an example for change. Introduction There is arguably no more…
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Summary of Services
At InterConnections, LLC, the focus of our practice is to help organizations in their efforts to build a positive employee relations climate, eliminate counterproductive work behaviors, and create cultures of respect. In support of this focus, our consulting work centers around three key services: (1) Executive Coaching for Leaders and Managers; (2) HR Investigations, including employee misconduct, allegations of sexual harassment, and toxic workplace environments; and (3) HR Consulting, including executive and board-level performance evaluations, and the development of HR professionals and the HR function
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Gary Metcalf: Complex Systems Science Gathering, Stockholm, Sweden, 2019 Dec 07
Dr. Gary Metcalf gives a talk at the Complex Systems Science Gathering, Stockholm, Sweden, on 2019 Dec 07 http://www.garymetcalf.com/extras/gary-metcalf-complex-system-science-stockholm-2019-12-07.mp4
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Complex systems science whitepaper (excerpts)
There are numerous, in-depth reports about climate change from scientific communities and governmental committees. Some of the most prominent are listed at the end of this paper. Many reports detail the causes and outcomes of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) and rising atmospheric temperatures. Others, such as the 2018 special report by the IPCC, provide detailed scenarios for potential mitigation (slowing or ceasing CO2 emissions within given timeframes) and interventions (such as removing CO2 from the atmosphere.) Due to the extent of existing climate science, this paper will focus on issues related to next steps, particularly with respect to human use of energy. What would it mean to cease use of fossil…
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Social Systems and Design (Springer Verlag, 2014) by Gary Metcalf
In the opening chapter of his edited volume, Social Systems and Design, out from Springer in 2014, Gary Metcalf asks if it is possible to establish ethical “first principles” for the design of social systems. Inspired by his mentor, Bela Banathy (a giant of the systems field), and pondering the potential levels of influence we might actually have over the evolutionary development of the social systems in which we are all embedded, Metcalf provocatively asks what sorts of goals should we set for ourselves and what sorts of means should we use to achieve them. Book homepage (Individual chapters can be purchased) Read the book review