Goals and assumptions

HIVE – Systems Collective Design Lab (HIVE) is an open research space within Collegium Civitas, where we draw on the synergy resulting from the involvement of people with different experience and goals. Through collective modelling of human environment including the social, economic, ecological and technological systems, we contribute to sustainable development change.

We conduct basic and applied research  in order to understand phenomena and processes occurring in complex systems. We help with optimizing actions. We create and provide knowledge and practical support to all interested parties in the spirit of inter- and transdisciplinarity, incorporating various research methods and working in  national and international research groups.

We invite everyone who wants to deepen the knowledge about human environment systems to cooperate with us. To co-create solutions with HIVE, we invite researchers from various disciplines, analysts, consultants, decision makers, managers, coaches, leaders, and everyone from all sectors and environments, including scientific, civic, business, social and administrative ones. We also invite all interested explorers who act, or want to act, at the intersection of these and other sectors.

Exemplary research tasks

Basic research

In HIVE, we develop a systems approach at two levels: systems philosophy and theory, as well as systems methodology.

• We run seminars that thematically combine system theory with other theories developed in various scientific disciplines.
• We organize workshops aimed at combining a systems approach with other research methods.
• We support researchers in developing models to accurately explain phenomena and processes in the context of their research methods.
• We perform a secondary analysis of group modelling processes in order to develop procedures appropriate at the level of concretization of research problems.

Applied research level

HIVE strengthens people in transforming systems for sustainable development. We help our partners to operate in their complex environments. We work with representatives of various sectors, including NGOs, the public sector, enterprises, and everyone interested in applying systems thinking in their endeavours. The core of our work is changing behavior, systems, as well as mental and operational models through systems practice, systems-oriented design, collaborative innovation and partnership with many stakeholders.

• Together with partners, we design, test, and implement the solutions they need,
• We train in systems solutions methods,
• We advise on how to systematically develop an organization,
• We develop analyses for the purpose of organizational strategy and modelling.

Exemplary didactic tasks

HIVE supports everyone interested in learning the basics of systems thinking in theoretical, methodological, and technological terms.

• We show students and post-graduate students how they can use systems thinking and modelling during and after their studies.
• We include MA students in research projects conducted at HIVE.
• We help academic teachers in developing modules including system thinking, and thesis supervisors in preparing the concept of work using system modelling.

Team

The HIVE team is a group of experts engaged for many years in the development of systems thinking.

Krzysztof Kasianiuk – political scientist and sociologist, specializing in social research methodology; author of theoretical, methodological and empirical works in the field of system approach, leadership and governance. HIVE leader.

Małgorzata Dereniowska – biologist, philosopher, and social communication expert. She obtained a PhD in philosophy for her work in environmental ethics and a constructive approach to differences and value conflicts in society (Adam Mickiewicz University). Publishes in the field of practical ethics, sustainable development, philosophical economics and environmental protection. Experienced in group mediation, facilitation and implementation of international interdisciplinary research projects. Her research interests include responsible sustainable development in the social and individual sphere as well as the development of participatory methodology that embraces ethical issues in planning, management, and evaluation. Passionate about a good change and systems approach as a research method and a way of thinking.

Patrycja Romaniuk – a graduate of the Institute of Applied Social Sciences of the University of Warsaw and postgraduate studies “Strategy of responsible business” at the Kozminski University. Co-founder and managing partner of The Sustainers sp.z o.o., an advisory boutique in the field of sustainable development and corporate responsibility. Evaluator of programs and projects in Horizon 2020. Experienced in implementing research projects and working in non-governmental organizations. Passionate of system thinking for over 10 years.

Marek Kaleta – a graduate of the Institute of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Warsaw and postgraduate studies in Mediation Negotiation and Other Alternative Conflict Resolution Methods at the University of Warsaw. Student of TROP Individual and Group Coaching School. For a year, he has been cooperating with the Ashoka Foundation – innovators for the public good in the field of promoting system thinking among activists. Subjects of interest: circular economy, economic and political anthropology, gender studies.