Journal of the International Society for the Systems Sciences

The 67th Annual Proceedings of the International Society for the Systems Sciences is a collection of full papers submitted for double-blind peer review to the ISSS2023 Conference held in Skukuza, at the Kruger National Park, June 16-23, 2023.

The theme of the conference was Systems Practice for Professions. Systems Practice is based on a set of methodologies to address problematic situations holistically where complexity is embraced rather than reduced. Since many systems thinking methodologies exist, there is an opportunity to promote a unified framework for systems practice. The conference aimed to promote the use of holistic, inclusive thinking in addressing problems in various professions, integrating solutions across professions, and strengthening the national, regional, and international professional networks of practitioners.  Although we invited papers on systems practice and systems science for professions, we also encouraged papers on systems theory, since systems practice without robust underlying frameworks for understanding is undesirable.

Examples of professional areas in which systems knowledge and know-how are applied are the natural sciences operations research, crisis and disaster management, ecology, physical and mental well-being and health (medicine, psychiatry, psychology, psychiatry, physical education, sports), architecture, urban and rural development, climate and environmental risk management, financial markets, sustainable energy and food systems transitions, sustainable development innovation, data science, policy development, trans-disciplinarity, design and management of complex social organizations (neighborhoods, cities, co-operatives, governance structures, etc). We accepted papers covering all areas and themes of systems science, such as the use of systems approaches in applications or subject sciences (natural and social), concept or position papers, and speculative (novel) thinking.

The International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS) is among the first and oldest professional organizations devoted to interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature of complex systems and remains perhaps the most broadly inclusive. These proceedings enhance the body of knowledge of the Systems Sciences. Contributions from our community of researchers and practitioners cover broad areas of systems science, including the design and application of systems approaches to the natural and social sciences (natural and social), concept or position papers, and provide a platform for speculative (novel) thinking to deliver valuable insights that benefit business, management, science, education, and public policy.

The ISSS Editorial Committee only accepts and reviews original, previously unpublished research proposals and papers. The Committee ensures submissions support the conference theme and are written in English. Conference papers are peer reviewed as authors present their papers in chaired paper sessions. The Vice President of Publications and Research and the Editorial Committee conduct a final review and publish those papers that meet the quality standards. I sincerely thank all the authors for their contributions, the Editorial Committee, and the Chairs.

I hope you will enjoy, be informed, and be inspired by these original works.

Roelien Goede

President 2022-23 International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS)