Julian Hunt Discusses Systems Approaches & Policy

Session 5 of 21CPD: Lord Julian Hunt discusses “Policy Development in the 21st Century – Using Network and Systems Approaches”.

You can access the videos for this session below.  If you experience technical problems (embedding files doesn’t always work!) you can access the videos via Youtube.  Julian’s speech can be accessed via this hyperlink and the Q&A via this link.

Julian’s Speech:

The Q&A:

Conventional processes of policymaking in government and Whitehall are often hampered by an over-reliance on inaccurate statistics and hazy accounts of past events to judge a potential policy’s future impact.  Drawing on numerous domestic and international examples, Lord Julian Hunt argued that methods such as systems thinking present a highly effective yet straightforward means of more accurately assessing the impact that can result from different Government policies, whether that is in the area of economics, energy policy or diplomacy. Using this understanding effectively, he argued, would open the door to far more successful and cost-effective decision-making in all areas of government.

Julian is Emeritus Professor of Climate Modelling at the Department of Earth Sciences at UCL and is a Project Advisor for the Global System Dynamics and Policies Project. He was Director-General and Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office from 1992-1997, and was created a Baron in the House of Lords in 2000.

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Synthesis

Synthesis is a think-tank devoted to using the emerging paradigm of complex networks in the social sciences to tackle social and public policy concerns.

Over the past 20 years or so, social scientists have increasingly made use of advances in the natural sciences to make better sense of social systems. Fields such as network theory, non-linear mathematics and systems theory, which we refer to as the study of complex networks, give us much greater insights that help us make sense of social systems. Armed with a greater understanding, this collection of paradigm-changing toolboxes can help us to make better policy decisions, in the public, private, and “third” sectors.

The need for new thinking is clear. The world has changed radically over the past 30 years or so, with evolving and growing challenges for public policy at all levels - from local communities to the global domain. At the same time, dominant modes of thinking have been left wonting. Human society is now more interconnected than ever before, and this emphasises the need for understanding that accounts for networks which evolve over time. This is at the heart of Synthesis’ approach. Read more.

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Synthesis is a trading name of Synthesis IPS, a social enterprise that is in the process of being incorporated under British Law as an Industrial and Provident Society.