The problem of institutional fit in complex systems

In this lecture on the challenges and opportunities for governance in complex systems, Dr. Oran Young first focuses on the role of institutions and governance systems as mechanisms for steering individual and social behavior to reach shared goals. He notes that one role for governance systems is to address specific problems identified by society, and he emphasizes that collective action problems are one type of problem that requires institutions to redirect individual actions that, when aggregated, can cause or exacerbate, social and environmental problems. He highlights the challenges posed by complex systems and uncertainty within them, using examples from global climate agreements and other environmental governance systems that use different approaches to induce change or steer individual behavior. Spatial and membership mismatches often challenge the ability of these governance systems to reach the desired goal, and he notes that as the need for coordinated global action on managing human impacts on the environment increases, we will need to explore new dimensions and connections among governance systems. He concludes by noting that complex problems require institutions that are agile and adaptive to changing information and understandings of the system.
More information on the Immersion Program and other lectures can be found here: www.sesync.org/....