Towards a conceptual framework and integrated database on Social-Ecological and Technical Systems
Understanding how mankind makes use of natural resources, whether this use is sustainable, and how sustainability may be achieved, considering various spatial and temporal scales, remains a major challenge. Much of social science work has limited effect on natural science perspectives and vice versa. The accumulation of scientific knowledge of complex social-ecological and complex socio-technical systems is hindered not by the diversity of theories, models, and methods, but by the lack of a shared conceptual framework that provides the basis for systematic comparison of these theories, models, and methods.
The mission of the "SES Club" is
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To work with scholars in multiple locations in the development of a common framework for the analysis of social-ecological systems (SESs) and social-technical systems (STSs). The development will take into account different disciplinary research traditions and is meant to promote cross-sectoral and cross-national research.
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To illustrate the multiple purposes this framework can be used in research. Intended purposes include case studies, the development of large-N databases, diagnosis, sustainability assessment, and the comparative analysis of theories, models and frameworks.
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To establish a process that leads to the accumulation of knowledge on SETs.
Via this web site we can
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maintain a list of interested people (as first-tier, second-tier and third-tier members),
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share (links to) relevant information (meeting minutes, web sites, articles, calls for papers, etc.), and
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maintain a calendar of events (conferences, workshops, meetings) relevant for this project.
