Order through fluctuations, and systems dynamics models

In this paper the relationship is analysed between Forrester's systems dynamics and Prigogine's dissipative structures as methodologies for socioeconomic systems modeling. To obtain nonhomogeneous equilibrium states (a dissipative structure) a classical elementary systems dynamics model is provided with a linear diffusion mechanism. The study is based on qualitative and bifurcation analysis techniques; to this end, specific numerical methods have been developed.