Exploring mechanisms for systemic thinking in decision-making through three country applications of SDG Synergies

Abstract Increased systems thinking capacity—that is, the capacity to consider systemic effects of policies and actions—is necessary for translating knowledge on Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) interactions into practice. Various models tools that seek support more evidence-based policy-making have been developed with purpose exploring system across SDGs. However, these often lack integration behavioral aspects contextual factors influence decision-making process. We analyze three applications a decision-support approach called SDG Synergies, which aims at building in among decision-makers implementing agencies. Our objective is explore how behavior context influences whether taken up acted upon when making decisions. Drawing empirical material from Mongolia, Colombia, Sri Lanka, we identify sets mechanisms appear important enabling thinking: boundaries (time, scale, space), rules engagement (ownership, representation, purpose), biases (confirmation participation biases). Results highlight some key challenges merit further attention future applications, including importance localizing SDGs incorporating this national-level assessments, an unwillingness stakeholders acknowledge trade-offs, challenge addressing transformational as opposed incremental change, striking balance between flexibility vis-à-vis scientific robustness.