Applying Systems Science to Place-Based Systems Change Efforts: Theoretical and Methodological Advances
A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 1
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Place-based systems change refers to efforts designed to address complex social problems through targeting root causes in local geographic areas. This Special Issue seeks submissions from researchers, practitioners and policymakers who are applying the theory and methods of systems science to systems change efforts both in and with communities.
We welcome submissions that focus on:
-Insights gained from the application of systems theory to:
-- place-based approaches
-- monitoring and evaluation
-Examples of the application of systems methods such as causal loop diagrams or system dynamics to real world place-based initiatives
The aim of this Special Issue is to describe the state of the field, and as such we welcome submissions that present empirical research, novel methodologies, and commentaries on developments in the field.
Dr. Therese Riley
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- place-based systems change
- systems theory
- systems approaches
- place-based approaches
- complex social problems
- monitoring and evaluation
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