On System Dynamics Review

Abstract

It has been nearly five years since I started as Executive Editor of System Dynamics Review (SDR).I am now just a few months away from the end of my term.In my inaugural editorial back in 2016, I first outlined my views on the strengths of system dynamics method and SDR and then the main challenges that SDR was facing.This editorial is essentially a recap and update after four and a half years of service.SDR is a mature journal with over 35 years of experience.It has a rich history of articles showcasing good dynamical systems science.It has an established double-blind peer review system, supported by a large pool of highly qualified reviewers.Finally, perhaps the top strength of SDR is its very mission, as stated in its recently updated Aims and Scope: "… to communicate to a wide audience advances in the application and methods/tools of the system dynamics approach.In its broadest sense, the system dynamics approach encompasses modelbased analysis of dynamic problems with a systems approach, focusing on endogenous, structural sources of the dynamics of interest.In this "broad" sense, SDR thus seeks to publish articles on the theory, methodology, and applications of different versions and tools of systems sciences, provided that they deal with dynamic problems of endogenous origin-in other words originating from feedback structures.The system dynamics method, in its traditional sense, provides us with strong philosophical grounding and superb tools to model such problems: endogenous principles of systems, causal loop diagrams, stock-flow modeling, and simulation.System dynamics philosophy and methodology are not just fads; they will not fade away, they will stay with us as system scientists.At the same time, particularly in the last couple of decades, there have been significant advances in new concepts, tools, and software to address dynamic feedback problems.These advances have taken place both within and outside the system dynamics field.Regardless of where they originate from, the system dynamics community and SDR must embrace these new methodological developments, provided that they are consistent with the endogenous dynamic perspective.To limit our methodology only to causal loop diagrams, stock-flow modeling and stock-flow software today would be neither feasible, nor scientifically defensible.This brings me to the main challenges that SDR faces.The main challenges for SDR that I outlined in my 2016 editorial are still valid today: the diversity, quantity, and quality of paper submissions to SDR are not at levels consistent with the potential summarized above.Although there have been improvements in paper submissions in recent years, there is still much room for improvement.SDR is currently publishing four to five papers per issue.Given our potential, we should be able increase our paper output at least by 50 percent in the near future.Why have we not been able to achieve this potential so far?There are several interacting factors in my view: perceptions of potential authors, our Denizköy and _

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