A Web-based Tool for Identifying Strategic Intervention Points in Complex Systems

TL;DR

This paper presents a web-based analytical tool that combines Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping and network controllability to identify minimal intervention points in complex systems, aiding strategic decision-making.

Contribution

It introduces a novel integration of FCM and network control theory in a browser tool for identifying system levers in complex systems.

Findings

Successfully applied to regional transition to a bio-based economy.

Generated all minimal control configurations for complex networks.

Facilitated stakeholder decision-making in complex system management.

Abstract

Steering a complex system towards a desired outcome is a challenging task. The lack of clarity on the system's exact architecture and the often scarce scientific data upon which to base the operationalisation of the dynamic rules that underpin the interactions between participant entities are two contributing factors. We describe an analytical approach that builds on Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) to address the latter and represent the system as a complex network. We apply results from network controllability to address the former and determine minimal control configurations - subsets of factors, or system levers, which comprise points for strategic intervention in steering the system. We have implemented the combination of these techniques in an analytical tool that runs in the browser, and generates all minimal control configurations of a complex network. We demonstrate our approach by reporting on our experience of working alongside industrial, local-government, and NGO stakeholders in the Humber region, UK. Our results are applied to the decision-making process involved in the transition of the region to a bio-based economy.