System Dynamics in Energy Transitions: Understanding Complexity and Driving Engagement

Systems-based approaches are gaining traction as a way to integrate socio-political, socioeconomic, and techno-economic considerations and enable collaborative and fair practices in sustainable transitions [1]. For instance, rules and structures in society can create power struggles, disagreements between stakeholders, and resistance to change [2], all of which can delay or reduce the effectiveness of policy interventions or development projects. Similarly, complex issues are perceived and experienced differently by different stakeholders, which can create confusion and controversy around climate policy decisions [3]. This brief introduces the core concepts of Systems Dynamics (SD) – an established systems thinking modelling methodology – and highlights its value in bridging sectors and disciplines to better understand the behaviour of complex systems. In the context of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), SD supports the design of more inclusive and resilient interventions, while offering the possibility to integrate both qualitative and quantitative approaches.