Abstract

In the search for the essence of the complex, the crossing of technical boundaries is just as characteristic as the openness of the cognitive process. It is therefore not surprising that the contributions to this volume - which is based on a symposium held in Berlin in 1990 - bring together physicists, systems theorists, management consultants and managers. Four contributions begin by laying the foundations: Rolf Kreibich deals with the global dynamics of the scientific society. In particular, he points out the negative consequences of the second order, which result in one-dimensional rational behaviour and even self-destruction. The principles of an ecological economy are summarised in ten "elements of a new pattern of progress". H. Balck deals with the topic of "project action as a form of movement of change" and H. Haken explains the concept of synergetics, which he coined, and its meaning using the "folder" concept, among other things. Finally, B.-O. Küppers emphasises the role of the structural sciences with regard to new alliances between the natural sciences and the humanities. Part B offers examples and practice and research: F. Boos deals with the "leading differences" part/whole, system/environment, identity/difference. The. The reference to "intransparency" as an essential characteristic of complex systems is due to F. Reither. In the following, H. Durstberger provides an insight into the experiences of the management consultancy "congena", whereby the distinction between four approaches to corporate development (technocratic, organisational theory, systemic/holistic, chaotic) should be emphasised. A contribution on the concept of "self-organisation and distributed intelligence" at Daimler-Benz AG is followed by two papers on the future of the automobile and European transport research. P. Niedener outlines the main features of a realisable "2nd generation car", which would require only 9.7 kg of resources and waste per 100 km instead of 58.3 kg compared to a currently available model. A convincing conference volume that avoids the stylistic deficits of comparable publications, above all thanks to editorial care. Too little attention is paid to the question of the extent to which evolutionary theory findings can also contribute to a change in economic purpose, especially in the practice-oriented section.

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