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Emergence fostered by systemic analysis—Seeding innovation for sustainable development

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  • Fátima Lanhoso
  • Denis Alves Coelho

Abstract

The sustainability crisis entails high levels of complexity, not approachable from linear or reductionist stances. Unveiled from a holistic stance as a multilevel phenomenon characterized by qualitative novelty, emergence pertains to complex self‐organizing systems. Emergent properties and behaviors arise only when system parts interact in a wider whole. This article positions emergence for enhancing solution processes to meet sustainability challenges. It proposes the systemic approach as a catalyst for the emergence of wise creative solutions tackling wicked unsustainability problems. This requires observation and entails analyzing open systems altogether and recognizing the impact of navigating across macro‐ and micro‐scales on causal and creative emergence. Sustainable development requires circumventing past conventional practices, in an accelerated way. The emergence phenomenon at work between systems levels, coupled with purposefully structured creative processes, holds the potential for catalyzing sustainable development efforts. Systemic analysis at varying scales is to foster creative emergence aligned with sustainability‐oriented innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Fátima Lanhoso & Denis Alves Coelho, 2021. "Emergence fostered by systemic analysis—Seeding innovation for sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(4), pages 768-779, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:29:y:2021:i:4:p:768-779
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2173
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    2. Simone Sehnem & Deivsson Souza Bispo & Jacinto Orlando João & Maria Aparecida Lima de Souza & Oscar Bertoglio & Rogério Ciotti & Simone Machado Deon, 2022. "Upscaling circular economy in foodtechs businesses in emergent countries: Towards sustainable development through natural resource based view," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(5), pages 1200-1221, October.
    3. Xiaoli Hao & Xinhui Wang & Haitao Wu & Yu Hao, 2023. "Path to sustainable development: Does digital economy matter in manufacturing green total factor productivity?," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(1), pages 360-378, February.
    4. Pongsapak Chindasombatcharoen & Pattanaporn Chatjuthamard & Pornsit Jiraporn & Sirimon Treepongkaruna, 2022. "Achieving sustainable development goals through board size and innovation," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(4), pages 664-677, August.

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