Societal Metabolism

The aim of the group is to propose a new way of doing research, by bringing together a wide range of expertise related to the three different lines:
(#1) development of innovative analytical tools based on the emerging concept of integrated multi scale assessment. This integration is based on the operationalization of several concepts developed in frontier scientific fields: (i) Complex System Theory (impredicative loop analysis, multi-purpose grammars, multi-scale integrated analysis); (ii) Bioeconomics (Georgescu-Roegen’s fund-flow model, societal metabolism interfaced with ecosystem metabolism analysis); (iii) Geographic Information System applied to the spatial analysis of metabolism of socioeconomic systems (e.g. cities), land use changes and their ecological consequences.
(#2) development of effective procedures capable of guaranteeing the quality of the use of science for governance. In relation to this task the expertise of our group covers: (i) multicriteria analysis; (ii) multi-objective integrated representation; (iii) participatory integrated assessment; (iv) institutional and conflict analysis; (v) procedure of quality control on scientific inputs (e.g. pedigree, or NUSAP).
(#3) supply of the required understanding of the social dimension to be considered when deciding how to frame the technical aspects characterizing the interaction between the economic and ecological processes. Also in relation to this task we are in a situation in which several concepts often used in this field such as: “solidarity”, “sustainability” and “social
justice” can result too generic or semantically ambiguous for guiding action in specific situations. What is needed is the ability to contextualize the relative meaning in different applications.

In the next five years, this group will focus on applications of the innovative methodology
already available to a variety of cases study. The main goals of this work will be:
(i) generate useful information (classic scientific research) in relation to the various studies carried out;
(ii) consolidate the group in terms of visibility, international connections and availability of an adequate flow of funds;
(iii) train young scientists and students on how to conduct a multi-scale integrated analysis. That is to develop the special blend of expertise required to work in this field;
(iv) improve the quality of both the analytical tools and procedures used in the applications;
(v) build a stable interface with the Catalan society. Since the ultimate goal of the activity proposed by this group is to make available scientific knowledge to the process of decision making, it will be important to establish a permanent interface with the Catalan society to provide inputs and integrated characterizations, wherever required, in the discussion of hot policy topics having a scientific component (Science for Governance);
(vi) build a positive climate of collaboration between different academic groups working in different fields; within the Catalan academic community – in relation to the disciplines of ecological economics, material and energy flow accounting, multi-criteria analysis, water issues, public perception of risk, and land use assessment.