Implementation of Systems Thinking in Public Policy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The value of systems thinking in public policy is increasingly recognised. However, the extent of its use in decision- and policy-making within the government and civil service remains unclear. This review aims to investigate the state of systems thinking application in public policy. We conducted a systematic search to identify papers published up to June 2022 from various scientific databases. We also searched the grey literature. Publications eligible for inclusion were those that used or discussed systems thinking concepts and tools relating to policy-making. We included 73 papers falling into five categories: case studies, commentary pieces, user perspectives, reviews, and methodological frameworks. Our analysis highlighted the benefits and values of systems thinking that were observed and reflected by researchers and perceived by users in policy-making. It also revealed several challenges of systems thinking implementation in public policy and mapped out recommendations to address each of these challenges. Decision-makers in public policy are yet to utilise the full benefit of systems thinking. Advancing its implementation and sustaining its use in practice requires (i) exploring how to shift decision-makers' mental models and modify the organisational cultures under which decisions are made and (ii) developing methodological and practical guidance for application and evaluation specific to policy-making.

Civil Servant and Expert Perspectives on Drivers, Values, Challenges and Successes in Adopting Systems Thinking in Policy-Making

“…We followed Braun and Clarke's [43] six-phase framework for undertaking thematic analysis. In the deductive approach, we preselected themes and subthemes based on previous literature, our own systematic literature review [30] and the specifics of the research questions, whereas, in the inductive approach, we generated themes from the data through unrestricted coding. LN and CK independently analysed several transcripts each and discussed themes and subthemes with NZ as a group, followed by several iterative refinements until there was a consensus.…”

“…This study provides several insights beyond what has been discussed in our systematic review [30]. Firstly, existing studies that often describe finished work provide little insight into the journey of ST adoption and users' experience.…”

“…Our systematic review, which provides rich context to this study, offers an overview of the state of the literature on the value, drivers and state of ST application in policy-making. It details how ST has been utilised, common barriers, enablers that drive ST adoption and outcomes [30].…”

“…There have been a limited number of studies that explored the perspectives of policymakers on ST adoption in governments and public sectors [30]. These studies either focused on the use of ST in a specific policy area or a particular ST method.…”

Urban development growth strategies and societal well-being

“…Societal well-being depends not only on economic prosperity but also on the quality of the environment and social capital in our communities 11 . Policymakers and scientists increasingly recognize the need to adopt a broader perspective of well-being when developing and evaluating public policies and strategies to advance society 12,13 . For example, the well-being framework How's life?…”