Abstract

Abstract for: Implementing System Dynamics in the Dutch National Police

Introduction In 2026, the System Dynamics (SD) practitioner group within the Netherlands Police celebrates its fifth anniversary. This paper examines how the SD community emerged and identifies lessons for strengthening and expanding SD practitioner groups.
Approach A chronological overview of the community’s development is combined with the results of an analysis based on interviews and surveys conducted among course participants and members of the System Dynamics practitioner group within the Netherlands Police.
Results The results show that group work, practical application, and accessible training are key drivers for the adoption of SD and continuous participation within the group. At the same time, challenges remain, including the need for clearer frameworks, more practical guidance, and broader organizational support.
Discussion The paper concludes by presenting educational, methodological, and organizational lessons aimed at sustaining and expanding practitioner communities and supporting the broader use and application of System Dynamics in practical organizational contexts.

Introduction	In 2026, the System Dynamics (SD) practitioner group within the Netherlands Police celebrates its fifth anniversary. This paper examines how the SD community emerged and identifies lessons for strengthening and expanding SD practitioner groups.
Approach	A chronological overview of the community’s development is combined with the results of an analysis based on interviews and surveys conducted among course participants and members of the System Dynamics practitioner group within the Netherlands Police.
Results	The results show that group work, practical application, and accessible training are key drivers for the adoption of SD and continuous participation within the group. At the same time, challenges remain, including the need for clearer frameworks, more practical guidance, and broader organizational support.
Discussion	The paper concludes by presenting educational, methodological, and organizational lessons aimed at sustaining and expanding practitioner communities and supporting the broader use and application of System Dynamics in practical organizational contexts.