How to make better futures with systems approaches


Venue: Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

Date: 28 February 2024 10.00 – 17.00

Price: £25.00 (Member) £40.00 (Non-Member) Free (Student - Full)

Registration will close Friday 23 February 2024 at Midday

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This event will bring together practitioners and academics to explore the topics of systems thinking, problem structuring methods, and behavioural operational research. Together, they will examine how we can significantly influence decision-making and policymaking within both government and the private sector.

Throughout the event, they will look at real-world applications of systems thinking, showcasing accomplishments and exploring the untapped potential. While there are numerous challenges in implementing systems approaches, the goal is to discover innovative solutions that break down these barriers, enabling informed decisions which can shape more effective policies.

Proposed programme

Time Session
10:00 OR Society Welcome
10:10 Professor Nicholas Chater - The i-frame and the s-frame: Why behavioural insights should focus on getting the right systems, not 'fixing' the individual
10:45 Professor Mike Bourne - Governance Issues in Policy Implementation and Public Sector Project Delivery
11:20 Professor Antuela Tako - Systems thinking tools and stakeholder participation in OR interventions.
11:55 Dr Gary Preece - Systems Thinking in Defra: Approaches, Reflections and Future Opportunities
12:30 Lunch
13:25 Workshop 1: Ben Follows - Using OR to understand, frame, and address systemic problems
14:40 Break & refreshments
15:00 Workshop 2: Ine Steenmans - Systemic evaluation for better policy
16:15 Panel Discussion
17:00 Close

Thinktank, Birmingham UK

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