SYSTEMS THINKING AND SYSTEM DYNAMICS IN EVALUATION OF

In this article we will argue that system thinking and system dynamics can be very effective in the evaluation of sustainability, particularly in ex-ante evaluation based on the participation to the decision making through a learning process able to interlink information, knowledge and awareness. The article is divided in three sections, the first contains a review of EU policy framework, with reference to evaluation of sustainability and focusing on participation and decision making processes. The second part is describing briefly the evolution of the general system theory, system dynamics and system thinking, highlighting the importance of the use of system based methods and tools in relation with evaluation of sustainability. The third part presents a case study on a system thinking method, integrated with a web tool, called SYNAPS World, developed in the region of Skane in southern Sweden. The article finally defines the possible further development of this method with reference to his use to empower governance in evaluation of sustainability