From probabilistic functionalism to a mental simulation of innovation: by collaboration from vulnerabilities to resilient societal systems

Abstract

In this commentary, I build on the Theory of Probabilistic Functionalism by perceptual psychologist Egon Brunswik (1903-55) and Scholz's deepened analysis regarding the implications of this theory for sustainable transition processes by extending these thoughts toward (1) the mental process of simulation of innovation; (2) innovation as a crucial intervention for attaining societal resilience and, hence, an important driver within sustainable transition; and (3) joint representations and collaborative processes for the generation of innovation. By applying the Theory of Probabilistic Functionalism on innovation systems, innovation (as probabilistic entity) is viewed as the object; the agents who initiate or generate the innovation (i.e., entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, and eventually sustainability planning groups) and the stakeholders who are concerned by the innovation are viewed as the organisms; and the broader innovation system is viewed as the environment. This view aims to provide additional understanding of the complexity and planning of innovation and how it affects and, simultaneously, is affected by society and its environment.

Competences for Solving Complex Problems: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Higher Education for Sustainability Learning and Transdisciplinarity

“…It should be evident that, within these collaborative problem-solving processes, the effects on societal, natural, and planetary health [31] will differ and call for a sufficient understanding of the complex system. It shows that system understanding is the prerequisite of resilience policies as well as of sustainable development [32,33]. What all involved elements on our planet have in common is a drive to survive.…”

Hunger and Obesity as Symptoms of Non-Sustainable Food Systems and Malnutrition

“…Such strategies will also depend on technological and social innovations at various levels of society (including stakeholder-driven innovations), awareness building among and educational measures to increase the competences of, various stakeholders of society in order to deal with vulnerabilities within the food system and to strive for resilience and sustainable development, as well as for more systemic policies, which integrate strategies related to overweight (and obesity) as well as those related to undernourishment and cost reduction as potentially helpful promoters within a sustainable food system. Consequently, not only the 'real' effects of innovation (at various levels of the food system) are relevant but also, from an ex-ante perspective, the mental process of simulation of innovation within food systems is crucial in understanding the potential sustainable transition path, which may ultimately lead to a resilient food system [85].…”

Striving Toward a Circular Economy for Phosphorus: The Role of Phosphate Rock Mining

“…We consider technology as an enabler and, therefore, as a preliminary stage rather than a finished product or process since it provides the opportunity to be transformed. To make this contribution, innovation needs to be based on the understanding of the underlying system mechanisms (i.e., mining as part of the phosphorus supply chain), of potential vulnerabilities (e.g., losses, pollution) and opportunities (e.g., efficiency improvements), and of the effects of innovations as intervention that are directed toward sustainable transition and increased system resilience (e.g., [27,28]). Hereby, dynamic change and adaptation characterize the system of consideration, its environment, and the innovation itself, but both also depend on the experience and perception (as a mental simulation of innovation effects) of the observer.…”