SYSTEMIC REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT - A SYSTEMS THINKING APPROACH

Abstract

Rapid change is occurring in regional (non-metropolitan) areas in relation to a wide range of natural and human-mediated forces and is taking place at various temporal and spatial scales. Attempts by governments of different persuasions to confront the challenges have partially succeeded or failed altogether. A novel and integrative approach is required to analyse, plan and manage the sustainable use of ecosystems, resources and biodiversity in regional systems. Based on systems thinking concepts, especially from cybernetics and complexity science, the approach, termed systemic regional development, is put forward in this article.