Leveraging paradox to understand technology ecosystems: A question of balance

This paper rises to the considerable intellectual challenge presented by Ulierupsilas conception of ldquocyberphysical ecosystemsrdquo by building upon our prior research on the ldquobiology of systemsrdquo and the necessity to understand the operation of paradox in systems engineering to explore the implications of, and some lessons to be learned from, the similar ways organisms and technology systems interact with their environments within ldquoecosystem rdquo structures. We briefly review the definitions of key terms, use several examples to demonstrate the relevance of paradox to both the stability of ecosystems and to systems engineering, and highlight its impact on the development and execution of successful strategies for technology systems and its ability to provide breakthrough thinking based on unconventional wisdom. We are providing the origins of a framework that will enable policy framers, technology providers, and systems engineers as a diverse community of professionals to identify, articulate and leverage paradoxical situations in order to better formulate strategy for technology ecosystems.