Complexity Research Group

The Complexity Research Group is a multidisciplinary top research group focusing on the study and analysis of complex and wicked social phenomena.  

The group's major objective is to bring together, strengthen and expand complexity research that responds to the multi-level challenges of modern society. Challenges related to the constant need for change in systems, structures and operating models and the different effects of phenomena brought about by changes.

In complexity sciences, phenomena, things or problems are considered complex when their systems are tightly intertwined and affect each other’s functioning. Thus, complexity does not mean complication, but interdependence and intertwining.

In summary, it can be said that complexity research seeks to understand the intertwining of things and events and the resulting surprising and unpredictable cumulative effects.

Currently, key research topics of the group are:

• Understanding the meaning of a complex world
• Systemic models of societal decision-making and control
• Innovation and value creation at different levels of society
• Social and healthcare ecosystems, services and management
• Preparation of foresight information and risk analyses to support decision-making

The Complexity Research Group is an open playing field for researchers, managers and developers, where the aim is to jointly develop complexity research and create strong collaborative relationships between different disciplines, organisations and individuals. The research group is headed by Research Director Petri Uusikylä.

A podcast introducing complexity thinking

Keva, a public sector employment pension insurer, launched a podcast series in cooperation with the University of Vaasa, the aim of which is to make complexity thinking known. The first episode of the podcast was recorded in November 2016. Now the podcast has reached its third season. In the discussion series, actors in different fields discuss how complexity thinking works in practice, for example in management, supervisory work and organisational development. Most of the podcast episodes are in Finnish, but we have also published in English.

Listen to an episode in English: The organisation's actions in serious crisis situations

The podcast features Stig Johannessen, Professor, Nord University and Oslo Metropolitan University (Norway).

Selected publications

• Public Innovation and Digital Transformation
• Society as an Interaction Space

Publications of complexity thinking

Scientific articles
Monographies and edited books
Doctoral dissertations
Reports

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