Relating Systems Thinking and Design. Systemic Design and Co-creation processes for Territorial Enhancement

The world we live in is hectic and multifaceted, characterised by continuous changes that are more frequent, radical and dramatic than ever before. Their dimension rapidly shifts from local to global and vice-versa, due to the increasingly interconnected nature of relations, affecting society at many different levels. This results in a rising complexity that requires new creative solutions with a high degree of adaptability to be properly addressed. It is in this scenario that systemic design disciplines can effectively integrate systems thinking and its methods with design to address this multi-stakeholder complexity, by creating new resilient systems moving towards sustainability at environmental, social and economic levels. A systemic approach to territorial development addresses all aspects of sustainable socio-technical systems, by promoting social innovation to enhance people’ wellbeing and their active engagement in local communities, aiming at developing local economies and acting in full respect for the environment and natural resources.