Systems Thinking and System Dynamics for Space Leadership

How can space leaders make better decisions in complex and rapidly changing environments? In this presentation on July 29, 2026, to the African Space Leadership Institute, I introduce systems thinking and system dynamics as practical tools for understanding feedback, anticipating unintended consequences, and evaluating policy options. The session explains causal-loop diagrams, stock-and-flow models, simulation, and a disciplined modelling process. It also demonstrates how ChatGPT can support the development of system dynamics models. The central message is that space programs operate as interconnected systems. Effective leadership therefore requires looking beyond individual projects and decisions to understand how technical, financial, institutional, and human factors interact over time. #SystemsThinking #SystemDynamics #SpaceLeadership #SpacePolicy #SpaceSystems #SimulationModelling #Vensim #ArtificialIntelligence #DecisionSupport #AfricanSpaceLeadership