A Systems Hub to test systems approaches and adaptive governance
Over the past five years, the SCS programme has developed systems capabilities and promoted systems thinking through many initiatives including commissioned research, dialogues, frameworks, reports, and case studies.
This work highlights that while systems thinking offers diverse theoretical and methodological tools, its true value emerges when applied to complex challenges, We also recognised that addressing such challenges requires not only systems thinking but also innovative approaches to governance.
With this in mind, we set out to partner with a region that would work with us to put systems thinking into practice and test new governance models. Building on long-standing collaborations through Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) and the Engineering X Transforming Systems through Partnerships (TSP), Colombia stood out because of the strength of its active ecosystem of researchers, entrepreneurs, and public institutions. We scoped the potential for a pioneering platform to test systems thinking and innovative governance in action and explored this possibility further by choosing a systemic challenge at the core: a just and safe energy transition through the Frontiers Symposium. Following on from this, through the Bogotá Workshop 2024, we designed a scoping process to assess the feasibility of creating something bigger and more ambitious—the first platform of its kind to test both systems thinking and innovative governance approaches in practice.
Scoping the challenge with systems approaches at the core
The Systems Hub was designed using systems approaches, recognising that the energy transition is a complex challenge involving many actors, layers of governance, and interconnected issues. Rather than looking at each element in isolation, we took a holistic view to understand the bigger picture. This helped us identify key patterns, areas of influence, and new opportunities to connect and strengthen Colombia’s energy ecosystem. The Hub was developed through three phases:
A comprehensive study of Colombia's energy ecosystem. This process identified key stakeholders, mapped their interactions, and highlighted major barriers and opportunities for the sector's development.
Key stakeholders engaged in in systemic thinking and cocreation activities to validate research findings and collaboratively shape the Systems Hub.
A transparent and inclusive call for proposals will be launched to select the managing team for the Systems Hub. The process was guided by clear criteria to ensure effective, representative, and accountable governance.
Systemic gaps and challenges
A systems analysis highlighted five structural gaps and challenges that limit progress in the energy transition.
- Fragmented governance and lack of multilevel coordination
- Limitation of social participation
- Lack of a common narrative and shared vision
- Insufficient and misfocused financing
- Lack of connection and synergies between initiatives
Leverage points
The process revealed five critical leverage points where interventions can trigger profound and sustainable changes within Colombia’s energy ecosystem:
- Building a collective systemic narrative
- Strategic connection and visibility of the ecosystem
- Multilevel governance and inter-institutional coordination
- Innovation in financing models and project scalability
- Strengthening local capacities for territorial autonomy
Systems Hub governance & structure
The Hub will have an adaptive, dynamic, and decentralised governance structure that allows for strategic alignment and agile operation, whilst involving different actors from across the system. It will be organised into three levels:
Opportunities Board (Strategic direction)
The Opportunities Board provides strategic direction, aligns the hub with energy sector opportunities, facilitate financing, and strengthens ties with key decision-makers. It includes voluntary members from the private sector, academia, civil society, and multi-sector organisations. Members gain exclusive access to training, strategic events, and priority connections within the energy ecosystem.
Management Team (Operational Core)
This is what we are looking for in this grant call.
The Management team; formed by a single organisation or a consortium, leads the day-to-day operations of the Systems Hub, this funded role will ensure effective cross sector collaboration, transparent delivery and the effective application of systems thinking and mission driven innovation.
Mission Nodes (Mission execution)
Mission Nodes are cross-sector working groups formed around strategic missions set by the Opportunities Board and Management Team. They bring together experts to design, test, and scale innovative solutions, managing portfolios of high-impact projects. Funding for these missions will be given by Engineering X and managed by the Management team.
The Systems Hub aims to be autonomous and not dependent on the government, while maintaining a strategic relationship that allows it to align its actions with national priorities without losing its operational independence. All activities and operations related to the Hub will be conducted in Spanish; however, applicants must submit their proposal in English.
Reflections and recommendations
Below are key recommendations to maximise its impact, ensure its sustainability and be able to contribute to a safer and more resilient ecosystem:
- Strategic orientation
- Articulation and trust-building
- Adaptation and iterative learning
- Capacity building
- Inclusiveness and cultural considerations
- Long-term sustainability
Overall, the Systems hub aims to reduce duplication of efforts, improve resource allocation efficiency, and promote cross-sectoral collaborations that strengthen the resilience of the Colombian energy ecosystem.
Thanks to the committed participation of a wide range of actors from various sectors. Their willingness to collaborate has been essential to the collective construction of the Systems Hub Colombia and to advancing towards a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable energy transition.
Download the full report of the Systems Hub for the Energy Transition in Colombia on the How to Apply page. (Please note: English and Spanish versions are available).
