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A Framework for Understanding and Achieving Sustainability of Complex Systems
Author(s) -
Mobus George
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.2482
Subject(s) - viable system model , sustainability , computer science , cybernetics , system of systems , context (archaeology) , set (abstract data type) , complex system , social system , risk analysis (engineering) , adaptability , flexibility (engineering) , process management , order (exchange) , management science , systems design , engineering , business , ecology , artificial intelligence , software engineering , management , economics , finance , paleontology , biology , programming language
This article introduces a systems framework for understanding the sustainability of complex adaptive and evolvable systems such as the human social system, viewed as a subsystem of the whole Earth system. The argument is advanced that subsystems of semi‐closed supra‐systems must fulfil a ‘purpose’ in the context of the larger supra‐system in order to achieve sustained continuance. The success of the system in interacting with its environment over an extended time frame depends on that system's ability to regulate its activities, both internal and external so as to remain ‘fit’. The roles of adaptivity and evolvability and the mechanisms of a hierarchical cybernetic governance subsystem in maintaining these are discussed as the means for achieving sustainability in all types of complex systems. An operational definition of sustainability is put forth along with a set of necessary conditions that must be obtained in order for complex systems to achieve it. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.