Towards a body of knowledge for system dynamics

This paper introduces the notion of ‘body of knowledge’ as a means for making good practices and quality standards and system dynamics accessible to new members of the field as well as external entities. We argue that many individuals interested in system dynamics do not access formal training and still not find sufficient orientation in the existing learning and reference materials. A review of other scientific or professional associations, who published and maintain their respective bodies of knowledge allows us to propose a participatory construction process based on the recently published System Dynamics Competence Framework. The proposed process is based on iterated expert consultation and reproduces a first System Dynamics Body Of Knowledge (SD-BOK). We also indicate how the SD community can create a note to a permanent entity in charge of maintaining both the Framework and the SD-BOK updated as the field develops.