Delivering a systems approach
A systems approach is a holistic and interdisciplinary way of understanding and solving complex problems. It sees the world as a collection of interconnected and interdependent elements, people and highlights the connections and relationships between them. A true systems approach doesn't only deliver technical solutions, it ensures technology, processes, interactions and policy are appropriately aligned to deliver innovative solutions to today’s most complex and pressing challenges.
Learn more by visiting our concepts and definitions guide.
Systems approaches and the Academy
Engineers are inherently systems thinkers, trained to visualise the big picture and design solutions that consider interdependencies. This engineering mindset is crucial when addressing complex challenges like climate change, urbanisation, and energy transitions. Because complex systems involve people, policy and society as well as technology, engineers need to work in partnership with engineering disciplines and other professions to develop solutions that are inclusive, safe and sustainable.
At the Royal Academy of Engineering, we have seen clear evidence that solving complex problems lies in understanding the systems that create them. We aim to increase awareness and deepen understanding of systems approaches, empowering individuals, teams and organisations to make meaningful, substantial change.
This is why our Engineers 2030 Final Report led by the Academy on behalf of the National Engineering Policy Centre, highlights the need for engineers to embed systems thinking across education, practice and leadership.
Safer governance of complex systems
Systems approaches and complex challenges
Support for policymakers
Through the National Engineering Policy Centre, we bring engineering thinking and systems approaches to the heart of policy making. We take a practical, engineering systems lens to complex problems. Led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, our collaborative approach puts robust insights in front of policymakers.
At the Academy, we also offer bespoke support to policymakers and the public sector in the UK and beyond, convening the best engineering expertise and advice, and providing guidance on applying systems approaches to help them drive critical policy interventions and deliver the public services that people need.
How we can support you
- Our flagship Policy Fellowships Programme is a bespoke professional development programme tailored to a policy challenge.
- The Academy Systems Approaches in Government team provides on-request bespoke support – through participatory workshops, team training, and policy advice with an engineering systems lens, – to government teams who seek to take a systems approach to complex problems.
Support for awardees and international partners
We offer grants, events, and global connections to systems experts and practitioners, helping them advocate for the application of systems approaches. Working on complex challenges such as the energy transition, we support international partners and awardees to use systems thinking and develop holistic, sustainable solutions.
How we can support you
- Safer Complex Systems Programme through its educate workstream helps educators develop and implement resources to nurture a systems mindset. Explore our resources and engage in a systems learning community of practice.
- The Systems Hub connects organisations and practitioners working on the just energy transition in Colombia. You can engage through our events, learning opportunities, and mission collaborations that put systems thinking into action.
Additional systems approach resources
- Managing complexity: how systems approaches can deliver better policy
- Benefits of using systems approaches in policy
- Academy supports valuable resources for systems approaches to policy development in government
- Engineering better care explores how a systems engineering approach could be applied to health and social care.
- Case studies to exemplify failures and best practices to promote safety of complex systems
- Governance of complex systems: explore our resources and principles to rethink governance of complex systems
- Learning module using a case study to explore systems thinking and resilience for disaster infrastructure management
Related resources
Trends in Engineering Research
Explore our bibliometric analysis of the UK’s engineering research output.
Sustainability
The Academy's work to lead sustainable engineering practice
The urban opportunity for building resilience
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The National Engineering Policy Centre
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