System Dynamics-based Integrated Development Planning Course conducted for Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean

Millennium Institute (MI) conducted a one-week System Dynamics-based Development Planning course for the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The course took place from November 30 to December 4, 2009, at ECLAC in Santiago, Chile. Participants at the course were ECLAC researchers working in the field of development planning.

The objective of the course was to impart the knowledge and skills required to analyze complex development challenges from a comprehensive and systemic perspective using the Threshold 21 (T21) and Primary Country Model (PCM) frameworks developed by MI.

Participants were introduced to the System Dynamics methodology and Vensim modeling software; and the benefit of scenario-based models in developing and evaluating policy. Participants also learned to develop causal loop diagrams (CLD), evaluate stock and flow models, and integrating sectoral models to analyze the key drivers of national development. A presentation was also given to ECLAC’s senior management.

A key outcome of the course was the development of a framework for further collaboration between ECLAC and MI to conduct integrated policy analysis in the countries covered by ECLAC, specifically in areas such as economic development, energy and climate policy analysis, and disaster management.