Development of Sustainability Network Theory (SNT) and Model for Managing Electronics Industrial System

This research is about development of a set of models and tools collectively based on, and illustrating, a new competency we call "sustainability network theory" or "SNT". SNT intends to reflect and model complex aspects of industrial networks, including interconnections between environmental, economic and social aspects, in order to support identification of causal loops, help prioritize conflicting factors, and facilitate intervention at the right levels. SNT, in turn, is based on our evolving understanding of underlying network system concepts and science. In addition to theoretical development, a SNT model will be developed for the electronics/information and communications technology ("ICT") industry with the goal of understanding how regional policies and incentive programs can affect the global sustainability performance (environment and social) of the industry.