Introduction to Part II: What Is a System?

Abstract

Energy is a large systems problem and energy strategists need to think in systems to be effective in making change. A system is a group of interacting and interrelating objects that function as a whole. On the inside are processes and on the outside is the environment, or context. These two are separated by the boundary. Boundaries can be a limiting constraint, eliminating distractions and focusing the team onto what’s important. Boundaries can be an enabling constraint, giving an anchor for exploration and unlocking play. Performance improvements happen inside the boundaries. Disruptive innovations happen at the boundaries. Communicating in boundary conditions can communicate entire systems. Part II develops these concepts further in three chapters.