ABSTRACT
In a social and economic world affected by the increasing scarcity of resources, level of competitiveness, and variety, the studies on sustainability are attracting the interest of numerous researches and research streams. This chapter focuses on the topic of smart grids as an example of technological innovation useful in supporting the achievement of sustainability aims. It discusses that the conceptual framework offered by systems thinking and cybernetics. The chapter proposes relevant evidences of the application of systems thinking and cybernetics principles as consequences of the communication between smartness and sustainability. It offers several indications for decision makers and practitioners interested in better understanding the principles of sustainability and their role in the emerging smart world. The topics of smartness and sustainability well synthesize most of the elements able to influence the future evolutions of our society and our world.
