Center for Applied Complexity

IFIS' Center for Applied Complexity is the home of our work using complexity theories in service of more integral solutions to the world's most urgent social and political challenges.

Lead: Dr. Bettina Geiken

Team members: Adrian Wagner, Collin Bootsveld

Introduction

As IFIS we are committed to challange and expand our perspectives through the application and exploration of complexity theories. At the heart of IFIS's mission is multiperspectivity — the understanding that diverse viewpoints are crucial for a comprehensive grasp of any issue. This commitment stems from the recognition that the utility of integral theory lies not just in its intellectual appeal, but in its practical application and embodiment, which for us is as much an art and a mastery, rather than a purely intellectual endeavor.

Complexity science, with its various streams such as emergence and entanglement, provides the tools and frameworks necessary for navigating and making sense of intricate, interconnected systems. By engaging deeply with these aspects of complexity science, we are able to foster a nuanced approach to problem-solving and innovation.

In exploring applied complexity as pioneered by Dave Snowden, IFIS' Center for Applied Complexity focuses on emergent phenomena —how new patterns, structures, and properties arise from interactions within complex adaptive systems to make sense of an increasingly complex world.

Applied complexity

Applied complexity is an approach that combines scientific rigor with experiential clarity and embodied practice. It involves the artful use of narratives to make sense of complex phenomena, recognizing that while complexity can appear daunting, it is fundamentally natural and accessible. The real challenge lies in embracing ambiguity and integrating diverse modes of understanding and being in the world. Applied complexity moves beyond traditional problem-solving frameworks, as emphasized by thinkers like Bonnita Roy, and others. When applied correctly, it facilitates ease and freedom, indicating a harmonious alignment with natural processes. This approach aims to embody and enact consciousness, enabling individuals to navigate and thrive in the complexities of modern life with greater clarity and energy.

In fact, in a way, we do not really have a choice… Living highly interconnected lives with many nodes and patterns of connections, distributed information and lots of “in-between” space of interaction, where human exchange happens, inevitable creates complex entangled systems.

Pointless to pretend life could always be linear and predictable, so we better get good at navigating “life” and harvest its unexpected, unintended and unforeseen opportunities (see: Complexity, a mostly unexplored opportunity).

The good news is there are actually methods and approaches that help us do that. Here are some links referring to the Cynefin Wiki, put together by the Cynefin Company.

Principles in a Nutshell

Applied complexity acknowledges that the only certainty is the occurrence of unintended consequences within complex systems. We can never perceive the whole picture; instead, we see a messy landscape interspersed with discernible patterns. Our attention typically focuses on just 5% of what is happening, underscoring the limits of our perception. Additionally, hindsight does not guarantee foresight, and insight alone does not necessarily lead to action. These principles emphasize the intricate, often unpredictable nature of complex systems.

Additional Principles of Applied Complexity

Interconnectedness: Every element within a complex system is interlinked, meaning changes in one part can have ripple effects throughout the entire system.

Adaptability: Complex systems are dynamic and evolve over time, often adapting in unpredictable ways to new conditions or inputs.

Emergence: New properties and behaviors can emerge from the interactions among system components, which cannot be predicted by examining the parts in isolation.

Nonlinearity: Cause and effect are not always directly proportional; small changes can have large impacts, and large changes can sometimes have minimal effects.

Self-Organization: Complex systems have the capacity to self-organize, forming structures and patterns without external direction.

Diverse Perspectives: Understanding complex systems requires considering multiple viewpoints and narratives, as no single perspective can capture the entirety of the system.

Paradox and Uncertainty: Embracing paradoxes and uncertainties is crucial, as they are inherent in complex systems and provide opportunities for deeper insight and innovation.

For a deeper dive into these principles, please click here.

More in-depth information

Cynefin Framework
Estuarine Mapping
SenseMaker® and Sensemaking

Applications

by and with IFIS, its members or project partners

Over the last 6 years IFIS has initiated/supported a number of EU funded cooperation projects (Erasmus+, Impetus, MediaFutures etc), in which the principles of applied complexity have been put into practice. In many projects, the SenseMakerⓇ approach was used in very different contexts. For a methodological deep-dive of SenseMaker as a research tool, please see here.

Relevant projects around Democratic Innovation and Leadership

1-EuroSense - A Citizen Network for Democratic Policy Making (Impetus 2024-2025)