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An Introduction to Complex Systems Science and Its Applications

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  • Alexander F. Siegenfeld
  • Yaneer Bar-Yam

Abstract

The standard assumptions that underlie many conceptual and quantitative frameworks do not hold for many complex physical, biological, and social systems. Complex systems science clarifies when and why such assumptions fail and provides alternative frameworks for understanding the properties of complex systems. This review introduces some of the basic principles of complex systems science, including complexity profiles, the tradeoff between efficiency and adaptability, the necessity of matching the complexity of systems to that of their environments, multiscale analysis, and evolutionary processes. Our focus is on the general properties of systems as opposed to the modeling of specific dynamics; rather than provide a comprehensive review, we pedagogically describe a conceptual and analytic approach for understanding and interacting with the complex systems of our world. This paper assumes only a high school mathematical and scientific background so that it may be accessible to academics in all fields, decision-makers in industry, government, and philanthropy, and anyone who is interested in systems and society.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander F. Siegenfeld & Yaneer Bar-Yam, 2020. "An Introduction to Complex Systems Science and Its Applications," Complexity, Hindawi, vol. 2020, pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:hin:complx:6105872
    DOI: 10.1155/2020/6105872
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    Cited by:

    1. Ilaria Perissi & Gianluca Martelloni & Ugo Bardi & Davide Natalini & Aled Jones & Angel Nikolaev & Lukas Eggler & Martin Baumann & Roger Samsó & Jordi Solé, 2021. "Cross-Validation of the MEDEAS Energy-Economy-Environment Model with the Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES) and the Long-Range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-27, February.
    2. José V. Matos & Rui J. Lopes, 2021. "Food System Sustainability Metrics: Policies, Quantification, and the Role of Complexity Sciences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-38, November.
    3. Ravi Bhavnani & Nina Schlager & Karsten Donnay & Mirko Reul & Laura Schenker & Maxime Stauffer & Tirtha Patel, 2023. "Household behavior and vulnerability to acute malnutrition in Kenya," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Lopes, António M. & Machado, J.A. Tenreiro, 2022. "Multidimensional scaling and visualization of patterns in global large-scale accidents," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    5. Michael G Jacobides & Ioannis Lianos, 2021. "Ecosystems and competition law in theory and practice [Ecosystem as structure: an actionable construct for strategy]," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 30(5), pages 1199-1229.
    6. Alexandru Topîrceanu, 2023. "On the Impact of Quarantine Policies and Recurrence Rate in Epidemic Spreading Using a Spatial Agent-Based Model," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-19, March.
    7. Won-Chul Bing, 2021. "Sociopolitical Approach to the Launch History of the KBO League: Application of Complex System Paradigm," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-15, May.

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