Call for papers

From insights to action:   Resilience to global problems

The 39th International System Dynamics Conference will explore how System Dynamics allows us to generate insight into the drivers of problems and the design of solutions in highly interconnected dynamic systems. Some of the current problems that the world faces (such as COVID-19, climate change, poverty, etc.) are of such complexity that it is nearly impossible to build adequate insight without structured approaches like System Dynamics. The 2021 International System Dynamics Conference will include rigorous dialogue and exchange of ideas about resilience to global problems, how to design solutions to these problems, and how we might turn insight into action.

The program will include invited as well as contributed sessions.  Submissions are welcomed on all topics pertaining to System Dynamics, regardless of whether they easily fit within one or more of the conference threads defined below. We welcome all research and documented consulting activities in System Dynamics including applications of the methodology to solve real-world problems, new technical and software developments, and productive integration of complementary methodologies. Presented papers will include both quantitative and rigorous qualitative work on dynamic problems emphasizing feedback structure and the manner in which it generates behavior. We also welcome different analytic and computational approaches beyond stock and flow modeling, including discrete representations such as agent-based modeling with a focus on system behavior.  

In addition to the traditional research paper, we also encourage submissions of practitioner applications and work-in-progress. Previously published work may also be submitted with the permission of the Program Chairs. Special proposals for plenary or parallel sessions, panel discussions, roundtables, and other pre- or post-conference activities are encouraged. Proposals for workshops and tutorials are also welcome. If you have ideas for sessions and workshops focused on addressing practical issues in specific commercial or scientific fields, please contact the program chairs.