ABSTRACT
Systems innovation is working collectively to address major challenges: complex challenges that have no apparent solutions at hand, where opinions differ on definitions of the problem, but also, how to solve it. Trust, transparency and integrity are prerequisites for collaboration. Trust manifests itself through transparent conduct; the integrity of the parties involved; reliability and voluntary involvement. Complex challenges are unpredictable as they are constantly changing. Investigating wicked problems is different to solving problems that are ‘tame’ where facts, trends and expertise support effective solutions development. In the wicked problems , facts and information on developments tell people a lot about past and present conditions of the problems but cannot resolve them because the future is unknown. Identifying which stakeholders are relevant will depend on the preliminary definition of the problem. Collective sensemaking can lead to a paradigm shift and the introduction of new simple rules.
