Abstract for: An Exploration of the SD field: a Model-Based Policy Analysis Perspective

Abstract The objective of this study is to use a model-based policy analysis perspective in order to investigate the future of the SD field. To reach the objective a network and actor analysis was conducted to explore part of the SD field. Further exploration was made by conducting over forty interviews with actors in the field. These interviews were then analyzed; the perspectives of the interviewees were captured using basic models for visualization. Five main perspectives were identified and are called collaboration, oversimplification, broad SD and domain support, academic growth engine and no problem. The first three of these perspectives were further specified into SD models and used for policy testing. The major finding of this report is that the differences in these perspectives show a complex problem that warrants action which considers multiple perspectives.