Systemic governance

Systems thinking is often put forth as an approach that can support decision-makers and managers in dealing with complexity and driving systemic change. However, systems thinking in environmental governance – or systemic governance – has been conceptualized in a variety of, sometimes conflicting, ways. In addition, it often remains unclear to decision-makers how it may be applied in practice, in particular in the context of national public administrations.

This research project unpacks what systemic governance may entail for public administrations and explores its possible implications for democratic concerns such as accountability and legitimacy.

It focuses primarily on preparedness in the Swedish agricultural sector, looking at policy and institutions that may enable more systemic governance.