This publication addresses some of the challenging issues facing many public authorities in how to adopt systems science and systems thinking in their work. The text lays out a systematic approach to problem solving on a basic level by illustrating how to approach complex tasks as well as provides theoretical discussions, practical examples, project examples, and exercises.

The text is written for laypeople, so the examples (i.e., case studies) used are easy to understand. The case examples demonstrate the processes required for defining a problem and creating solution(s) – i.e., systems thinking and analysis. Understanding systems thinking, system analysis, and system dynamics will provide public authorities and organisations the flexibility and agility to quickly adapt to a changing society.