Hong Kong’s premier course on Developing Sustainable Business Models through Systems Thinking was successfully conducted on March 28, 2024. Distinguished experts in the field facilitated the session: Mr. Jeroen van der Weide, Mr. Daryl Lim, and Mr. David Chung.
This intensive training was designed to enable participants to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their business strategies using systems thinking. Throughout the course, the following key areas were emphasized:
- Implementing 3 Levels of Zoom-In and Zoom-Out during the Systems Thinking Approach: Participants were introduced to a layered perspective of analysis, learning to alternate between granular (zoom-in) and broader (zoom-out) views of their business ecosystems. This practice allowed them to appreciate the complexity of business operations and its interconnectedness with wider economic, social, and environmental systems.
- Crafting Sustainable Business Models that Align with Long-Term ESG Goals: The course provided frameworks for integrating sustainability into the core of business planning. Attendees explored how to innovate business models that not only drive profitability but also contribute to sustainable development goals, balancing short-term gains with long-term ESG objectives.
- Understanding the 3 Key Tools of the Systems Thinking Model: Essential tools of systems thinking were dissected and discussed, equipping participants with the methodologies to apply systems thinking to real-world challenges.
In addition, the participants engaged with specific tools to apply their learning:
- Iterative Inquiry: This tool was used to foster a continuous loop of questioning and reflection, helping participants to refine their understanding of the systemic impacts of business decisions and strategies.
- Causal Loops: Essential for mapping out the cause-and-effect relationships within a business system, the causal loops tool enabled participants to identify feedback loops and leverage points within the system that could lead to sustainable outcomes.
- Social Ecosystem Map: By creating a visual map of the social ecosystem, attendees were able to identify key stakeholders and understand how social dynamics influence business sustainability.
By the end of the course, participants had gained the competency to employ systems thinking for developing business models that are not just economically viable but also sustainable and responsible. The tools learned—Iterative Inquiry, Causal Loops, and Social Ecosystem Mapping—empowered them to apply a systems perspective to their business challenges, creating value that transcends traditional business metrics to include social and environmental benefits.
