A methodology for modeling sociotechnical systems to facilitate exploratory policy analysis

Abstract Addressing modern societal challenges often requires the consideration of sociotechnical systems. Sociotechnical systems consist of technological, organizational, and social systems interacting to achieve a goal. Developing effective approaches to modeling sociotechnical systems could enable policy makers to better understand the implications of policy options prior to implementation. Through past work, the authors evaluated a modeling methodology intended to accomplish that goal. While the methodology was found to be useful, there were also significant limitations. In this paper, the authors analyze these limitations through the lens of consolidative versus exploratory modeling. The result is a substantial revision of the modeling methodology that moves from a sequential 10‐step process to a multiphase process intended to facilitate exploratory modeling and detect unintended policy consequences.