Value Network mapping: a method for unravelling system relations
Translating global sustainable development goals into concrete actions for systemic change remains one of the greatest challenges of our times. Such systemic change can be explored through the lenses of ‘sustainability transitions’: deep transformations of the structure and the dynamics of the sub-systems of our society, such as energy, food, mobility, housing, health care and finance.
Sustainability transitions require changes in the structures of the sociotechnical systems that define our world. Some practices need to change into completely new roles and relations, and others may even disappear. Value Network Mapping helps in getting a grip on the structure of these sub-systems and enabling us to identify together intervention points that make sustainability transitions happen.
With the use of Value Network Mapping it is possible to co-create such changes, while balancing individual needs with wider ambitions. These maps take into account social, environmental and economic conditions for implementing and scaling up such changes, allowing global sustainable development goals to evolve from a shared vision to a common practice.
Value Network Maps are particularly useful in settings where conventional structures can no longer be relied on. By making explicit the current roles and relations within a system, it is possible to scrutinise both the system’s components and its organisation, and so help people reorganise themselves sustainably.
This publication covers what Value Network Mapping is and why you should use it. With a step-by-step guide, hands-on templates, as well as tips and tricks for facilitators, Value Network Mapping can be adopted as a sense-making and co-creating instrument for your challenge.
This handbook has been developed through the collaboration between VITO Nexus and EIT Climate-KIC.
Download the manual Here
Watch the webinar on Value Network Mapping Here