9th Business Systems Laboratory International Symposium

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY: Boon or Bane?

January 23-24, 2025 - UniversitY OF INSUBRIA - DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

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Via Monte Generoso 71 - 21100 - VARESE (ITALY)

TRACK TOPIC:

Systems Thinking and the Technological Transformation of Society  

CHAIR:

Maurice Yolles
Professor Emeritus of Management Systems 
Liverpool John Moores University, UK 
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Track description

This track, aims to explore the profound implications of technology on society through the lens of systems thinking, a holistic approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all societal elements. By various systems thinking approaches, we aim to understand the effects of technological innovations and how these effects ripple through and reshape the complex web of social, economic, and environmental systems.

We aim to discover how technology acts as both a catalyst for change and a source of unforeseen consequences, influencing individuals, organizations and social systems. We will dig into the myriad ways in which technology can drive systemic change, from altering communication patterns and power structures to reshaping economic landscapes and environmental interactions.


Key themes and discussions in this track will include (but are not limited to):

• The principles of systems thinking as a framework for analyzing the multifaceted impacts of technology on society, providing a comprehensive understanding that transcends linear cause-and-effect paradigms.

• Case studies and real-world examples of how technology has instigated systemic changes, both positive and negative, illustrating the nuanced dynamics at play within different sectors and communities.

• The role of technology in creating and transforming social systems, and how these systems in turn influence the development and diffusion of technology.

• The ethical considerations and challenges that emerge when technology disrupts traditional systems, necessitating a reevaluation of values, norms, and governance structures.

• The future of societal evolution in the face of rapid technological advancement, with a focus on developing resilient systems that can adapt to and capitalize on technological innovation.