What’s ahead at KMWorld 2019: Q&A with Jane Dysart, KMWorld 2019 conference chair, and founding partner and curator of curiosity, Dysart & Jones

KMW: There is a new parallel event on complexity. Who is it aimed at and what will it cover?

JD: The new event is called "Complexity in Human Systems: Next Paradigm of Management?" and it will take place Nov. 7–8.

Stephen Hawking famously said that this century would be the century of complexity. From its early days as a focus of study by the Santa Fe Institute, complex adaptive systems theory has increasingly moved from the world of academia to practice. Sometimes known as the science of uncertainty, it provides radically new ways to understand how to create organizations that are resilient and adaptive. This day-and-a -half symposium, hosted by popular knowledge management speaker Dave Snowden, is a joint production of the Cynefin Centre for Organizational Complexity; Information Today, Inc.; and Dysart & Jones Associates.

KMW: What is important about this new event?

JD: It will bring together some of the leading academics, thinkers, and practitioners in the field of complexity to discuss a range of topics that include the following:

♦ How can government and industry more effectively navigate the multiple uncertainties of a hyper-connected world?

♦ What insights does complexity science give to the development of doctrine and strategy?

♦ How does complexity transform our understanding of design and innovation from the linear processes of design thinking to something dynamic and radically creative?

♦ What are the models of leadership appropriate for conditions of growing uncertainty?

♦ What are the implications for individual development, agency, and organization growth that arise from complexity and cognitive science?

♦ What is the role of art in human intelligence? Aesthetics and semiotics can have a profound impact on organizational change. 

♦ What are new ways of ensuring impact that avoid the gaming and misdirection of key performance indicators?

KMW: What will make this a unique opportunity?

JD: This is a chance to be at the first major event to discuss and co-create a radical new set of ideas. In keeping with the theme, the event will not be organized around traditional keynotes but instead on multiple structured interactions between experts and attendees to allow new insights and understanding to emerge. Albert Einstein stated, “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.” We can add, “But not simplistic.” Check the KMWorld 2019 website at http://bit.ly/Complexity19 to learn more about the experts who will be participating and with whom attendees will get a chance to interact—and be sure to save the dates for this new and exciting learning and networking event.

KMW: Why do attendees come back to KMWorld year after year?

JD: Our attendees love to share—their experiences, failures, and what they have learned. They interact face-to-face with each other to see what’s happening in other organizations that might work in their enterprise. They are curious, passionate about smooth and successful operations, and open to experiment­ing with new ideas, processes, models, and technologies. They love to network and meet other knowledge manage­ment enthusiasts that they can then connect with in the com­ing years.

For more information about the KMWorld 2019 program and to register, go to www.kmworld.com/Conference/2019.