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Studying, Teaching and Applying Sustainability Visions Using Systems Modeling

Author

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  • David M. Iwaniec

    (School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
    Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA)

  • Daniel L. Childers

    (School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA)

  • Kurt VanLehn

    (School of Computational Information and Design Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA)

  • Arnim Wiek

    (School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA)

Abstract

The objective of articulating sustainability visions through modeling is to enhance the outcomes and process of visioning in order to successfully move the system toward a desired state. Models emphasize approaches to develop visions that are viable and resilient and are crafted to adhere to sustainability principles. This approach is largely assembled from visioning processes (resulting in descriptions of desirable future states generated from stakeholder values and preferences) and participatory modeling processes (resulting in systems-based representations of future states co-produced by experts and stakeholders). Vision modeling is distinct from normative scenarios and backcasting processes in that the structure and function of the future desirable state is explicitly articulated as a systems model. Crafting, representing and evaluating the future desirable state as a systems model in participatory settings is intended to support compliance with sustainability visioning quality criteria (visionary, sustainable, systemic, coherent, plausible, tangible, relevant, nuanced, motivational and shared) in order to develop rigorous and operationalizable visions. We provide two empirical examples to demonstrate the incorporation of vision modeling in research practice and education settings. In both settings, vision modeling was used to develop, represent, simulate and evaluate future desirable states. This allowed participants to better identify, explore and scrutinize sustainability solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • David M. Iwaniec & Daniel L. Childers & Kurt VanLehn & Arnim Wiek, 2014. "Studying, Teaching and Applying Sustainability Visions Using Systems Modeling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(7), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:6:y:2014:i:7:p:4452-4469:d:38270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cherp, Aleg & George, Clive & Kirkpatrick, Colin, 2004. "A Methodology for Assessing National Sustainable Development Strategies," Impact Assessment Research Centre (IARC) Working Papers 30577, University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM).
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    Cited by:

    1. David M. Iwaniec & Elizabeth M. Cook & Olga Barbosa & Nancy B. Grimm, 2019. "The Framing of Urban Sustainability Transformations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-10, January.
    2. Crawford, Megan M., 2019. "A comprehensive scenario intervention typology," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    3. Jian Zhang & Guishan Yang & Lijie Pu & Buzhuo Peng, 2014. "Trends and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Sustainability in Eastern Anhui Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(12), pages 1-17, November.
    4. Ulrich Schmitt, 2021. "Reframing a Novel Decentralized Knowledge Management Concept as a Desirable Vision: As We May Realize the Memex," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-37, April.
    5. Fabian Heitmann & Claudia Pahl-Wostl & Stefanie Engel, 2019. "Requirements Based Design of Environmental System of Systems: Development and Application of a Nexus Design Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-22, June.
    6. Adriana Acevedo Tirado & Mariana Ruiz Morales & Odette Lobato-Calleros, 2015. "Additional Indicators to Promote Social Sustainability within Government Programs: Equity and Efficiency," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(7), pages 1-17, July.

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