Introduction to complex systems

‘Complexity science is not a single theory – it encompasses more than one theoretical framework and is highly interdisciplinary, seeking the answers to some fundamental questions about living, adaptable, changeable systems’.

In order to explain the characteristics and behaviour of infra-systems we first have to gain understanding of complex systems. As we explained in the previous unit,  infrastructures are complex systems, because:

• They contain many actors.
• Exhibit  technical complexity.
•  Are faced with drastic changes because of technical, instítutional, economic and social changes (internationalization, privatization, web-based, clean technologies, smart grids, new ways of regulation, liberalization, standardization) and bottom-up initiatives (‘inverse infrastructures’).
•  Maintain and increase strong interdependencies (‘network of networks).
•  That generate a large number of uncertainties.

• While performing critical roles for society.

There is a  huge difference between complicated and complex problems: Basically:

·     Complicated problems or systems are predictable. These systems are often engineered. We can understand these systems by taking them apart and analyzing the details.

•  The opposite is true for complex problems or systems. The outcome is unpredictable because of many uncertainties, interconnectedness and interdependencies of networks. We have to deal with emergent behavior, non-linearity and social and technical complexity. 

Complex systems can be found in various fields and disciplines, like biology, chemistry and economics. Think about the brain, migration of birds or the stock market.

In this unit we will have 3 web lectures by Professor Eve Mitleton-Kelly. She is founder and director of the Complexity Research Group of the London School of Economics. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Complex Systems.

We will start with the  generic characteristics of complex systems.