Quarterly Journal of Governance Knowledge

Quarterly Journal of Governance Knowledge

Managing Complexity in Modern Governance: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Viable System Model (VSM)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Associate Professor, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Iran
2 PhD student in Systems Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
Abstract
The Viable System Model (VSM) is recognized as a prominent conceptual framework for managing complexity, enhancing adaptability, and promoting sustainability in various organizational, social, and technological systems. This article presents a comprehensive and systematic scientometric analysis of research related to VSM from 1977 to 2024, utilizing advanced visual analysis tools to identify key trends, prominent researchers, scientific collaboration networks, and thematic clusters. Our analysis indicates significant growth in research on the Viable System Model, showing considerable interdisciplinary applications in the fields of sustainability, digital transformation, and governance. This study also addresses emerging topics such as the integration of artificial intelligence, circular economy, and digital resilience, highlighting the increasing importance of the VSM in tackling current challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. The results of the analysis include the identification of international scientific collaboration clusters and the substantive evolution of VSM applications from traditional organizational management to new areas such as smart cities and adaptive learning systems. This study also highlights important research gaps, including the need to explore VSM's potential in emerging fields like quantum computing and behavioral economics, emphasizing the necessity for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations. By linking theory with practice, this research provides a solid foundation for future studies and underscores the transformative role of VSM in managing the complexities of the contemporary world.
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