Emergence

Emergence is another fundamental characteristic of complex systems.

It relates to capability of complex systems to show macroscopic properties which are distinct from microscopic properties of each agent (sub-system) of the system. In other words, we cannot understand the characteristic of the whole system by just looking at characteristic of each sub-system. The main reason is dynamic change of structures and interconnections/ relationships/ behavior of sub-systems.

Both complicated and complex systems show emergent properties. The former ones have predetermined while the later have semi-determined or non-determined characteristics.
A good example of emergence in a complicated system is different characteristics of Graphite and Diamond while both are constituted from Carbon. Interconnections of Carbon atoms in Graphite make it soft and dark while other interconnections of the same atoms in Diamond make it hard and clear. Isn’t it surprising?
A good example of emergence in complex systems is different characteristics of faculty of engineering (LTH) at Lund University than individual or collective characteristics of its departments and division. Some divisions may not have engineering or technological characteristics while are very important for emergence of such characteristics at the LTH in whole.

That’s due to belief to emergence that humans turn to families and societies, birds to flocks, ants to colonies, fish to shoals, mammals to herds, bees to swarms, etc.
By analogy, focal companies/enterprises/organizations have figured out that the values in different markets would be fulfilled just if they look at whole of the supply chain or network. Surprisingly, when they take the holistic view to whole of the chain or network the values can better be fulfilled even if some agents (sub-systems) of the chain or network in some occasions show other values (characteristics).
Due to existence of emergence in complex systems, like supply chains, their sustainable development call for a holistic, instead of reductionist, approach. The whole system can develop and evolve sustainably when both the design (statics) and operations (dynamics/interrelations) of each agent show a pattern of sustainability. Even if several partners or parts of supply chain – which are becoming more global – are sustainable, the whole is still unsustainable.
The role of a strategist for sustainable development is to arrange the statics and dynamics of the system in a way that desirable outcome be emerged both in short- and long terms.