Systems optimisation can generate short-term positive effects. However, in the long run it may inhibit scaling, by preserving the unsustainable configuration of a dominant regime, and reinforcing the underlying rules. So how do we know if well-intended interventions are optimising or challenging a system?
This is a simple tool to help you unpack your own decisions and strategies, and shed light on the potential of investments, policies and change interventions to deliver transformative impact.
During the exercise, you will:
- relate the concept of ‘systems optimisation vs change’ to your own practice;
- consider how interventions connect to change pathways; and
- surface opportunities (and barriers) to moving from optimisation or partial redesign to system change, and consider how these can be addressed to enable greater transformative impact.
Acknowledgements
Our thanks to Louise Harvey at Chimney for graphic design.
Citation
Shaw, V., Velasco, D., Johnstone, P. and Kanger, L. (2024) Tool: Systems optimisation vs change. TIP Resource Lab. Available at: https://www.tipresourcelab.net/resource/tool-systems-optimisation-vs-change
Reflections on use
The tool was created for group use, but can also be adapted as an individual, reflective exercise.
It was tested by groups of investors and policy practitioners at the Deep Transitions Lab/ TIPC Engagement Week 2024: Scaling experimentation – A catalyst for transformative system change.
Participants learnt about application of these concepts to a number of cases, including mining, deforestation in the Amazon and transformative investment.
They then used the interactive tool to relate concepts to policy interventions and investment decisions, considering:
- how these affect the system dimensions;
- whether rules are being supported, developed or challenged;
- the systemic effects (optimisation, partial redesign or change); and
- how interventions might be stretched for greater transformative impact.
Participants also discussed the scope to target different change pathways simultaneously.
Student and postdoctoral rapporteurs observing the sessions noted the following:
- Achieving transformation requires context-specific approaches. Sometimes even deeply unsustainable systems may need optimisation as a step toward broader transformation.
- System change can occur to different degrees: Optimisation, partial redesign and transformation reflect trade-offs between the speed of gains and extent of changes.
- Greater changes in rules mean system transformation is more likely to be taking place. Therefore, identifying vulnerable rules is crucial, as intervening in these areas can help destabilise the existing regime and promote transformation.
- The concept of ‘optimisation vs partial redesign vs change’ can be used to help investors and policy makers select innovations with transformative potential and chose regional initiatives to subsidise. The thinking should be stretched to address ‘system creation’ in some contexts, e.g. in the Global South.
