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\"Society is now facing challenges for which the traditional management toolbox is increasingly inadequate. Well-grounded theoretical frameworks, such as systems-thinking and cybernetics, offer schemes and models that facilitate the understanding of complex phenomena, without being impacted by the passage of time. This book, through a multi-disciplinary approach, addresses the complexity of decision making and problem solving in the 21st century, featuring contributions from systems and cybernetics supported by a wide network of scientists. This book is the outcome of the WOSC 2017, the 17th Congress of the World Organization of Systems and Cybernetics, which invites scientists, policy-makers, professionals and students from across the globe to have a dynamic conversation about the dynamics of contemporary societal problems from systems and cybersystemic perspectives\"-- Provided by publisher.

Purpose This paper aims to define hybrid reality (HyR) as an ongoing process in which artificial intelligence (AI) technology is gradually introduced as an active stakeholder by using reasoning to execute real-life activities. Also, to examine the implications of social responsibility (SR) concepts as featured in the HyR underlying common framework to progress towards the redefinition of global society. Design/methodology/approach A combination of systemic tools is used to examine and assess the development of HyR. The research is based on evolutionary and learning concepts, leading to the new meta-system development. It also builds upon the viable system model and AI, invoking SR as a conceptual framework. The research is conducted by using a new approach: using system dynamics based interactions modelling, the following two models have been proposed. The state-of-the-art HyR interactions model, examined using SR concepts; and a SR concept-based HyR model, examined using a smart vehicle case. Findings In the HyR model, interaction asymmetry between stakeholders is identified, possibly leading to pathological behaviour and AI technology learning corruption. To resolve these asymmetry issues, an interaction model based on SR concepts is proposed and examined on the example of an autonomous vehicle transport service. The examination results display significant changes in the conceptual understanding of transport services, their utilisation and data-sharing concepts. Research limitations/implications As the research proposal is theoretical in nature, the projection may not display a fully holistic perspective and can/should be complemented with empirical research results. Practical implications For researchers, HyR provides a new paradigm and can thereby articulate potential research frameworks. HyR designers can recognise projected development paths and the resources required for the implication of SR concepts. Individuals and organisations should be aware of their not necessarily passive role in HyR and can therefore use the necessary social force to activate their status. Originality/value For the first time, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the term HyR is openly elaborated and systemically examined by invoking concepts of SR. The proposed model provides an overview of the current and potential states of HyR and examines the gap between them.

PurposeArtificial intelligence (AI) reasoning is fuelled by high-quality, detailed behavioural data. These can usually be obtained by the biometrical sensors embedded in smart devices. The currently used data collecting approach, where data ownership and property rights are taken by the data scientists, designers of a device or a related application, delivers multiple ethical, sociological and governance concerns. In this paper, the author is opening a systemic examination of a data sharing concept in which data producers execute their data property rights.Design/methodology/approachSince data sharing concept delivers a substantially different alternative, it needs to be thoroughly examined from multiple perspectives, among them: the ethical, social and feasibility. At this stage, theoretical examination modes in the form of literature analysis and mental model development are being performed.FindingsData sharing concepts, framework, mechanisms and swift viability are examined. The author determined that data sharing could lead to virtuous data science by augmenting data producers' capacity to govern their data and regulators' capacity to interact in the process. Truly interdisciplinary research is proposed to follow up on this research.Research limitations/implicationsSince the research proposal is theoretical, the proposal may not provide direct applicative value but is largely focussed on fuelling the research directions.Practical implicationsFor the researchers, data sharing concepts will provide an alternative approach and help resolve multiple ethical considerations related to the internet of things (IoT) data collecting approach. For the practitioners in data science, it will provide numerous new challenges, such as distributed data storing, distributed data analysis and intelligent data sharing protocols.Social implicationsData sharing may post significant implications in research and development. Since ethical, legislative moral and trust-related issues are managed in the negotiation process, data can be shared freely, which in a practical sense expands the data pool for virtuous research in social sciences.Originality/valueThe paper opens new research directions of data sharing concepts and space for a new field of research.

Gaming has the potential to support the development of young people's capabilities in social responsibility (SR) and, at the same time, represents a threat of developing undesired behaviour patterns. Successful integration of gaming in the lives of young people requires a systemic approach, which, to the best of our knowledge, hasn't been provided in the literature. We provide insight into this issue. In this paper, multiple methods are used. To elaborate the backgrounds on the gaming's effects and social behaviour, the literature is analysed. To assess the state-of-the art of young people characteristics, their pressing social challenges and gaming evaluation reports are analysed. The synthesis is provided and placed in the context with social responsibility properties using system dynamics. Gaming concepts, appropriate for education for SR, and relationships between young people's challenges and the players in the gaming environment in SR terms are proposed. Currently, the loop of games development is negatively propelled by the short-term games demand. We propose effective feedback loops, linking young people and their social environment, using a SR tool set to provide demands to the game providers. The experience will support the games developers to design socially constructive games, aiming to develop the desired skills and competencies in social transformation processes of young people toward SR. The proposed model provides merely an overview model, designed by the literature review and state-of-the-art analysis. To fully understand the games' effects on young people, a more detailed analysis is required.

In the provided research, some of the Big Data most prospective usage domains connect with distinguished player groups found in the business ecosystem. Literature analysis is used to identify the state of the art of Big Data related research in the major domains of its use -- namely, individual marketing, health treatment, work opportunities, financial services, and security enforcement. System theory was used to identify business ecosystem major player types disrupted by Big Data: individuals, small and mid-sized enterprises, large organizations, information providers, and regulators. Relationships between the domains and players were explained through new Big Data opportunities and threats and by players' responsive strategies. System dynamics was used to visualize relationships in the provided model.

The methodology is based on international CSR standards, strategic planning, networked virtual collaboration, group cognitive (conceptual) modelling, inverse problem-solving in topological spaces, categories theory, control thermodynamics, big data analysis for cognitive models verification and quantum semantic approach. [...]the optimal price on the sellers is decreasing (increasing) in the CNC of the buyers (sellers). [...]the investment provides positive effects for both platforms; thus, they (Xu et al., 2021) recommend an active government investment policy. 2.7 Implications for pure profit, environmental impact and social welfare in a socially responsible supply chain. The pure profit, environmental impact and social welfare are analysed in centralised and decentralised cases. [...]two unique coordinating contracts, i.e. wholesale price discount contract and revenue-sharing contract are used in the socially responsible supply chain simulation.

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to share the awarding of one of the most prestigious recognitions in systems thinking and cybernetics: The World Organisation of Systems and Cybernetics (WOSC) Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal was awarded in June 2019 to Professor Emeritus, PhD, PhD, Matjaž Mulej for his long-life contributions. Design/methodology/approach The Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal was awarded to Professor Emeritus, PhD, PhD, Matjaž Mulej based on the combination of extensive literature analysis and the Delphi approach. Findings Based on Professor Emeritus, PhD, PhD, Matjaž Mule’s exceptional accomplishments in the field of systems thinking and cybernetics, especially the Dialectical Systems Theory and the notion of requisite holism, combined with his visionary projects as, for instance, the development and application of social responsibility concepts, he was nominated and awarded this esteemed medal. Research limitations/implications The Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal draws the focus to important work of exceptional individuals and at the same time drives researchers to follow his example in research and overall behaviour. Originality/value The Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal has been awarded to 12 people during the past 50 years of WOSC’s existence. Only researchers that have provided significant imprint in systems thinking and cybernetics with their research and organisational activities in society, organisations and communities can be nominated for this prize.

PurposeStudents develop knowledge through an ongoing process of learning embodied in their daily experiences. As citizens, they develop an identity in their communities as they build relationships through recurrent interactions, thus constructing citizenship by strengthening stable interactions. This paper aims to examine the development of student active citizenship within a Jean Monnet module summer school that uses a participative approach and experiential learning.Design/methodology/approachThe research provides a multi-level systems perspective on the learning experience in a Jean Monnet module. It combines state-of-the-art analysis of the Jean Monnet modules reports, analysis of a selected module’s activities and delayed participants feedback analysis. The methodology addresses complexity at multiple levels and leaves sufficient variance to invite readers to test the approaches themselves.FindingsFirst, opportunities and gaps in the development of active citizen abilities were identified within the Jean Monnet modules. Second, it was established that the use of a participative approach and experiential learning aligned activities in the learning process yielded positive results in participant engagement. Third, long-term effects in the form of an improved understanding of active citizenship and the execution of activities in real life were also observed. The authors point to the need for active communication in the development of a full-cycle experiential learning process. Additionally, the multi-level monitoring model contributed positively towards the continual improvement of the learning process, and thus, provided a learning experience for teachers.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited regarding the clear articulation of the research results, rendering comparison with other learning experience reports challenging.Practical implicationsFor lecturers, the importance of integrating the participative approach into the student learning process is documented; the effects of experience learning on students’ active participation are presented; and the importance of systems perspective on multiple aspects of the learning process is reinforced. For students, an example of the importance of being active in the learning process and using available resources is provided. For policymakers, the paper attests to the importance of learning programmes expanding the limitations of the regular curricula and the need to support additional programmes and the benefits of a participative approach and experience learning in the process of developing active citizens.Social implicationsThe authors point to the need for authentic situational-context experience and active communication in the learning process. Additionally, the authors provide an example of systems investigation of the learning process.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the gap between the Jean Monnet modules and active citizen abilities and provides a potential approach towards reducing them. It also provides a multi-level method for monitoring and adjusting the learning process.