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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Sustain.
Sec. Modeling and Optimization for Decision Support
Volume 5 - 2024 |
doi: 10.3389/frsus.2024.1405501
Mapping causal networks from theories of change in sustainability projects: a software co-design process
Provisionally accepted- 1 Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad [LANCIS], Instituto de Ecología [IE], Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México [UNAM], 04500, Mexico, Mexico City, México, Mexico
- 2 Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad [LANCIS], Instituto de Ecología [IE], Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México [UNAM], Mexico City, Mexico
- 3 School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, 29 W Mains Rd, EH9 3BG, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- 4 Independent researcher, Bogotá, Colombia
- 5 Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación, Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México [ITAM]. Rio Hondo 1, Mexico City, 01080, Mexico., Mexico City, Mexico
- 6 Posgrado en Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología [IE], Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México [UNAM], Mexico City, 04510, Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- 7 Independent researcher, Veracruz, Mexico
- 8 Posgrado en Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México, Mexico
Envisioning trajectories towards sustainability encompasses enacting significant changes in multiple spheres (i.e., infrastructure, policy, practices, behaviors). These changes unfold within the intricate landscapes of wicked problems, where diverse perspectives and potential solutions intersect and often clash. Advancing more equitable and sustainable trajectories demands recognition of and collaboration with diverse voices to uncover meaningful synergies among groups striving to catalyze substantial change. Projects of this nature necessitate the exploration of varied tools and methodologies to elicit, convey, and integrate ideas effectively. Creating spaces for reflexivity is essential for catalyzing more meaningful impact as individuals engage in discussions aimed at sharing and questioning the coherence of their projects while forging synergies, identifying common objectives, and planning long-term outcomes. We present the initial phase of an endeavor in which we developed a software that elicits causal networks based on mapping relations between projects' actions and outcomes. To illustrate our approach, we describe the results of using this software within collaborative workshops with groups spearheading projects initiated by a government entity in Mexico City. By adapting elements of the Theory of Change model, this software transcends the dominant linear project logic by guiding participants in designing causation networks that unveil how different projects can articulate to identify potential common elements and find new possibilities for coordination among initiatives. We discuss the potential of such software application as a dynamic tool to guide and promote reflection and coherence when crafting projects that aim to more meaningfully address sustainability problems.
Keywords: meta-graph software, Sustainability projects, causation networks, Theory of change, Mexico
Received: 23 Mar 2024; Accepted: 15 Aug 2024.
Copyright: © 2024 García-Meneses, García-Herrera, Serrano-Candela, Charli-Joseph, Mota-Nieto, Mejía Ciro, Garcilita-Arguello, Fernández-Reyes, Toriz Cruz, Platas Valle and Corona-Jiménez. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Paola M. García-Meneses, Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad [LANCIS], Instituto de Ecología [IE], Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México [UNAM], 04500, Mexico, Mexico City, México, Mexico
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