Sustainable development policy needs the best evidence it can get – but too often, we use indicators which show only what is easy to see on the surface.
The INSURE project (April 2004 – January 2007) aims to get beneath the surface, to the underlying ‘system dynamics’. For this INSURE has built a prototype ‘System Toolkit’ for analysis of sustainable development at the regional level, with four components. The ‘Baseline’ explores the scope of a sustainability issue: secondly, the ‘Mapping’ identifies the fuzzy and qualitative factors. Then, the ‘Model’ provides a full quantitative dynamic analysis, with transferable software for any region: and finally the ‘Indicators’ provide a framework for benchmarking and communicating the most significant factors.
With a ’20-step’ method and a more technical ‘advanced’ method, the Toolkit has been tested in a series of case studies around Europe. These show many practical applications to sustainability strategy, evaluation, training and communication. There is also a strong scientific agenda in exploring the conceptual foundations for analysis of sustainable development.
The system dynamics approach which underpins the INSURE has potential for a unifying and scientific representation of SD at the regional level. Instead of measuring the ‘symptoms’ through SD indicators, the project tries to get to the ‘causes’ with a more fundamental understanding of the region as a system. This shows how economic sectors, spatial development, environmental pressures and social trends are all inter-linked and inter-dependent. This kind of knowledge is essential for the challenges of SD from local to global.
In this way, the INSURE approach will contribute to increased awareness of the issues and choices of SD among stakeholders at all levels, particularly at the regional level around Europe.
For general information on the project and the background, click here for access to the material for dissemination (leaflet, poster, Scientific papers, presentations).
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