Stenberg, Lennart, "A Modeling Procedure for the Public Policy Scene. Experiences from a System Dynamics Study of the Scandinavian Forestry and Forest Industry", 1976
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The basic assumption of this paper is that system dynamics in its original form was developed to suit policy-making in small organizations and that application of system dynamics in the field of public policy must be accompanied by change in research methodology and organization. To support this view, the paper describes experiences from a study of the Scandinavian forestry and forest industry.The model building process, interaction with decision-makers, and the organization of empirical research are analyzed separately. Based on the analysis a procedure for using system dynamics in public policy analysis is recommended. In the recommended procedure a reference group representing various client groups serves a source of qualitative information and as a channel for implementation. The need to keep model building well focused is stressed. Parallel studies of historical development on the micro- and the macro-level are suggested as a means to speed up modeling. It is finally recommended that the major results from the analysis are presented in a non-technical report.