Welcome to the Complex Systems Research Centre
The Complex Systems Research Centre (CSRC) moved to the School of Management in 1999. Its aim is to develop and present the theory and implications of Complex Systems thinking for Management Science - both as a collaborative research theme, and as an integrating conceptual framework. It provides an overarching scientific perspective within which strategy, operations, human resources, economics and finance all find their place.
In the CSRC complex systems thinking is applied to a wide variety of issues, supported in the main by UK Research Council or European Union funding. The research undertaken covers a wide range of themes, such as new product/service definition and development, developing innovative organizations, the evolution of market systems and business sectors, the limits to knowledge and the building of resilient and sustainable systems.
We have five current research projects: CASCADE is taking a complex systems perspective to Smart Grids and Distributed Energy Generation; ABI3L is an agent based model for multi-modal freight transport; Transforming Utilities’ Conversion Points (TUCP) which is examining interdependence in infrastructure utility system, All-in-One, a feasibility analysis for supplying all services through one utility product); and Land of the MUSCos, a business model investigation of Multi-Utility Service Companies. All are inter-university collaborations. In addition to these, we have a number of research proposals in the pipeline.
The CSRC is active in complex systems networks both in Europe and internationally:
- The Complex Systems Society, http://cssociety.org, which organizes the annual week-long European Complex Systems Conference http://www.eccs13.eu one of the largest and most inspiring events of the year.
- The UK Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium www.itrc.org.uk, through the CSRC work on utility infrastructure projects (TUCP, MUSCos and All-in-One)
- FuturICT, www.futurict.eu, a flagship project connecting ICT with social science, and complexity science. Our relationship with UCL and interest in modeling of complex systems connects us closely to the grand plans of this flagship venture.
- Center for Supply Networks (CaSN) at Arizona State University http://wpcarey.asu.edu/casn/index.cfm via associations with Tom Choi and Kevin Dooley.
A particular area of expertise of the CSRC is that of the importance of creativity and learning in the design and innovation process. The capacity of a firm or an organisation to co-evolve successfully with its surroundings is closely related to its ability to acquire, contextualize and implement appropriate new product designs, new domains of activity and new organisational practices. The ideas behind complex systems provide a conceptual framework, and real advice concerning the mechanisms of exploration and learning and the necessary features of organisational cultures that will be able to do this.
The Centre offers opportunities to research these issues in private and public sector organisations, to provide courses and training material for managers concerning these ideas. The Centre also welcomes and supports PhD and Executive Doctorate students wishing to research into the implications and methods of implementation of complex systems thinking in real situations.