The Centre for Systems Solutions (CRS), the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), and University of Ottawa’s Institute for Science, Society and Policy (ISSP) joined forces to create an online policy simulation.

The simulation focused on future science and policy issues related to the Arctic. It took place during the Canadian Science and Policy Conference on November 16, 2020.

Over 30 participants logged in to a custom-made, fictitious social network called “Impacts” (see the image above). Then, they used it to explore various economic, societal, and environmental challenges facing the Arctic region in the context of rapid climate change. Finally, they engaged in a lively discussion to reflect on what had happened.

The entire session took 1.5 hours. Our science director Piotr Magnuszewski moderated it over Zoom. He also gave the following interview on the methodology of social and policy simulations:

The Centre for Systems Solutions was represented by Piotr Magnuszewski and Timothy Giger; the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis – by Nicole Arbour; and University of Ottawa’s Institute for Science, Society and Policy – by Brendan Frank and Monica Gattinger.

We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with everyone involved and hope to do it again in the future.

Read more on the websites of our partners:
IIASA brings scenario and foresight expertise to the Canadian Science Policy Conference 2020
Simulations that Bridge the gap Between Science and Policy: A Policy Simulation on Arctic Governance at CSPC 2020