General systems theory was outlined in the post-WWII era when innovative thinkers began to consider how and why biological and ecological systems worked — or sometimes didn’t work.  Subsequent applied and theoretical work expanded the use of these insights.  Most importantly, we now understand that successful systems must be self-preserving, self-controlling and potentially self-improving.

A self-controlling system is often described using the thermostat model.  A system has a goal, a measurement device, the ability to compare actual with desired results and some action taken to return the system back within its control limits.  More sophisticated systems have secondary feedback loops to check the measurement, feedback and action steps.  Self-improving systems also have some built-in driver that improves the goal and results through time.

Most development economists have concluded that in the long-run productivity improvements are the key to economic well-being, far surpassing the contributions of simple resource availability.  Productivity improvements are created by individuals’ insights and brilliance, but more often by the cumulative results of self-improving processes.  Hence, our economic future depends upon the broad application of self-improving systems.

The biological model of evolution shows that “survival of the fittest” results in populations that are best ready to thrive in the range of environments encountered historically.  On average, this means that existing species are well positioned for most futures.  It does not rule out decimation due to some new environment, competitor or predator.   Biological pressures through the impact of pollution or global warming could threaten the beneficial effects of the biological model on economic growth.

Biologists and some anthropologists also say that our natural family and other small groups have developed to meet the needs of the species.  In spite of the many changes in culture since the “enlightenment”, these built-in relationships seem solid and provide a self-preserving parenting and small group cycle.

The development of the scientific method and use of peer reviews transformed science from natural philosophy, alchemy and astrology into a cumulative force for progress in scientific understanding.  This force has had a great economic benefit, expanding the use of the scientific method to a broader and broader sphere.  While philosophers and politicians raise valid questions about the ethical use of scientific discoveries, the march of science continues.

Representative democracy with “checks and balances” has also functioned as a self-improving system.  We now understand the need for cultural support for the rule of law.  We know that a variety of representative democratic systems can work well.  We know that there are sometimes populist, military or ruling class pressures that can undermine or destroy a democratic system.  We understand that democracies are often slow, sub-optimal and inconsistent.  Nonetheless, representative democracy has generally been a force for economic progress.  The consensus that western style democracy will be the dominant form of enlightened governance model was much stronger a decade ago, but remains the likely choice for most countries.

Economic systems like capitalism and international trade can also be seen as self-improving systems.  Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” and David Ricardo’s principle of comparative advantage lead competing interests to naturally improve their performance through time.  Modern economists generally agree that capitalism is not automatically “ideal” due to market failures, monopolies, public goods, externalities, unequal distribution of income, deadweight costs of booms, busts and bubbles, and the potential sustained waste of resources due to inadequate demand.  Recommended solutions to these shortcomings that can be implemented through the political process.  As with representative democracy, some form of regulated capitalism is an ongoing positive force for economic growth.

Finally, the systematic adoption of formal quality measurement and improvement systems by most organizations is another form of self-improving system.  By clearly defining goals, measuring progress, adapting and providing support structures that encourage process re-engineering and continuous process improvement, organizations have found that annual productivity improvements are possible in nearly all areas.  The quality revolution continues to expand its reach, moving from operations areas into overhead, service, government and not-for-profit applications.  The set of quality tools and best practices continues to grow.  The pressures of the economic and political marketplaces make sure that this will be a source of progress.

There are areas of modern life where self-improving systems do not provide built-in assurance of progress in the future.  Culture, religion and international relations do not work as self-improving systems today.

Historically, culture continued through inertia or the reinforcing interests of the ruling groups in society.  Without changes in the environment, a self-preserving system was common, even if a self-improving system was not.  Today’s increased level of global communications and cultural awareness provides support to avoid the total disintegration of culture.  The lack of thought leaders or leading cultural influencers today means that subcultures may improve, but the overall culture is not positioned for progress.

Religions were historically integrated with culture and reinforced them.  The “enlightenment” development of secular viewpoints and increased awareness of world religions has greatly complicated attempts by any one religion or ecumenical group to create a self-improving religious system.  Historic attempts to more deeply analyze a religion often resulted in inflexible forms such as scholasticism.  Attempts at reformation with ongoing evolution of doctrine resulted in splinter groups or fatal dilution of core content.  Within the secular humanist tradition, some progress is made through self-help books and applied psychology, but most observers would say that the self-awareness of existential philosophy has been a mixed blessing for people trying to create their own forms of meaning in life.

International relations is also a system without inherent stability.  Contradictory philosophical views dating back to the Greeks have enthusiastic supporters.  The idealistic goals of the United Nations and other world organizations are appealing, but the institutions do not clearly ensure the ongoing improvement of the human condition.  Greater economic and political integration in Europe is offset by the expansion of the number of nation states.  Mutually assured destruction evolved as a self-preserving system at a time of 2 superpowers, but provides no such assurance today.  The rise of Brazil, Russia, India and China to complement the US, Europe and Japan creates a multi-polar world without a clear system for ongoing improvements or avoidance of major conflicts.

The rise of self-improving systems in biology, science, economics, national governance and quality processes provides hope for a future of unlimited possibilities.  The lack of self-improving systems for culture, religion and international relations raises major concerns for the future.