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From probabilistic functionalism to a mental simulation of innovation: by collaboration from vulnerabilities to resilient societal systems

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  • Gerald Steiner

    (Danube Universtiy Krems, Faculty of Business and Globalization)

Abstract

In this commentary, I build on the Theory of Probabilistic Functionalism by perceptual psychologist Egon Brunswik (1903–55) and Scholz’s deepened analysis regarding the implications of this theory for sustainable transition processes by extending these thoughts toward (1) the mental process of simulation of innovation; (2) innovation as a crucial intervention for attaining societal resilience and, hence, an important driver within sustainable transition; and (3) joint representations and collaborative processes for the generation of innovation. By applying the Theory of Probabilistic Functionalism on innovation systems, innovation (as probabilistic entity) is viewed as the object; the agents who initiate or generate the innovation (i.e., entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, and eventually sustainability planning groups) and the stakeholders who are concerned by the innovation are viewed as the organisms; and the broader innovation system is viewed as the environment. This view aims to provide additional understanding of the complexity and planning of innovation and how it affects and, simultaneously, is affected by society and its environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerald Steiner, 2018. "From probabilistic functionalism to a mental simulation of innovation: by collaboration from vulnerabilities to resilient societal systems," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 38(1), pages 92-98, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:38:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s10669-018-9674-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-018-9674-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Smith, Adrian & Voß, Jan-Peter & Grin, John, 2010. "Innovation studies and sustainability transitions: The allure of the multi-level perspective and its challenges," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 435-448, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gerald Steiner & Lukas Zenk & Eva Schernhammer, 2020. "Preparing for the Next Wave of COVID-19: Resilience in the Face of a Spreading Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-6, June.
    2. Filippina Risopoulos-Pichler & Fedor Daghofer & Gerald Steiner, 2020. "Competences for Solving Complex Problems: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Higher Education for Sustainability Learning and Transdisciplinarity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Lukas Zenk & Gerald Steiner & Miguel Pina e Cunha & Manfred D. Laubichler & Martin Bertau & Martin J. Kainz & Carlo Jäger & Eva S. Schernhammer, 2020. "Fast Response to Superspreading: Uncertainty and Complexity in the Context of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-13, October.
    4. Raymond Fisk & Angie Fuessel & Christopher Laszlo & Patrick Struebi & Alessandro Valera & Carey Weiss, 2019. "Systemic Social Innovation: Co-Creating a Future Where Humans and all Life Thrive," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 4(2), pages 191-214, December.
    5. Scholz, Roland W. & Zscheischler, Jana & Köckler, Heike & Czichos, Reiner & Hofmann, Klaus-Markus & Sindermann, Cornelia, 2024. "Transdisciplinary knowledge integration – PART I: Theoretical foundations and an organizational structure," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).

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