A Cybernetic Participatory Approach for Whole-Systems Modelling and
Analysis, with Application to Inclusive Economies
Abstract
Traditional participatory systems modelling demands synchronous time
from many experts and face-to-face interaction. This is not always
feasible (e.g. recent pandemic) and can restrict which participants can
be included. There are additional limitations in the effectiveness of
physical paper-based modelling when handling large complex systems with
numerous variables and links between them. The key challenge facing
practitioners is then how we can retain the benefits of traditional
participatory modelling whilst exploiting the advantages of new
technologies? This paper contributes to development of an original
systematic methodology based on Cybernetic principles. The proposed
method, refers to 5X – standing for Expose,
Explore, Exploit, Explain, and Expand,
offers a fully virtual co-produced environment for better engagement of
stakeholders, developing more confidence in systems mapping, and promote
knowledge to other policy areas. A primary application of the proposed
method in a real policy setting illustrates its capability in generating
a shared policy understanding of complex Inclusive Economy system, where
there is conflicting or dispersed knowledge about system structure,
refining this understanding through online feedback channels, and
transferring this understanding to wider policy and academic partners
through mutual relationships.