The global leader in systems thinking research, innovation, and impact

Born at Cornell University, our research lab studies the problem that underlies all problems: thinking. We do basic and applied research, design innovative tools and technologies, and facilitate public understanding in four areas: Systems Thinking (cognitive complexity), Systems Mapping (visual complexity), Systems Leadership (organizational complexity), and Systems Science (material complexity).

We study complexity in order to better understand how to align mental models with real-world systems to decrease biases, make better decisions, solve wicked problems, and 'get it right' more often.

Your brain evolved two thinking modes: a fast one that is biased and wrong a lot and a more accurate one that is slow. But, research shows that we can choose a third option through metacognition and practice. Being aware of and practicing daily ("daily reps") the four DSRP* cognitive structures can get you in the habit of thinking fast and right, much like an athlete or soldier trains for fast, autonomic responses in volatile, uncertain, complex, and unpredictable situations. Learn and practice DSRP* and you'll think fast and get it right more often. Whether you want to increase your personal or professional skills or develop your team of high performers, learning and practicing these four simple rules will transform thinking across all domains. In fact, the World Economic Forum's “Future of Jobs Report” lists the Top 10 skills employers will demand in the global economy. DSRP* Thinking is foundational to these ten forms of thinking skills.

1. Analytical thinking and innovation
2. Active learning and learning strategies
3. Creativity, originality, and initiative
4. Technology design and programming
5. Critical thinking and analysis
6. Complex problem-solving
7. Leadership and social influence
8. Emotional intelligence
9. Reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation
10. Systems analysis and evaluation

Whether we are training special forces, top-flight athletes, scientists on the cutting edge, or executive teams, we use a concept that originated with the Navy SEALS: "slow is smooth, smooth is fast." This means two things: (1) in order to get fast, you must break thinking down into behaviors that can be improved (smoothed) and sped up with practice, and (2) sometimes our desire to move too quickly ends up slowing down the operation. Thus, developing an awareness and daily practice with the four DSRP patterns of thinking will lead to System 3 (fast and right) thinking.

The 2023 International Cornell University Systems Thinking Conference is May 11-12, 2023 (online). Building off of the universality of systems thinking and its application to any topic or discipline, this year’s theme is, “Think [X]” (i.e., the variable “X” represents any topic). This year’s conference showcases the breadth and depth of the application of systems thinking (DSRP Theory), systems leadership (VMCL Theory), advances in systems thinking based on new empirical developments, and new project work in Agent Based Approaches (ABAs) to social policy issues and socio-technical systems, as well as systemic solutions to such concerning crises as mass killings.

Our Vision is 8 Billion Systems Thinkers. We focus on theoretical, basic, and applied research applicable to everyday lives. We look for projects that bridge our scientific research with real-world, practical, everyday experience. We work with excellent teams of excellent people. We follow the science. We don't just think the theories, we execute the empirical research, and we innovate, invent, and design tools that make lives better and increase human potential and organizational effectiveness.