In his article, “Sustainability Intelligence (SI): A Journey, Not a Destination – A Response to Professor Gail A. Rowntree,” Gurpreet delves into the evolving concept of sustainability intelligence and its significance in today’s world. He responds to Professor Rowntree’s insights, emphasising that sustainability is not a fixed endpoint but rather an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning and adaptation. Through this exploration, Gurpreet advocates for a holistic approach to SI that integrates various disciplines and perspectives, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful progress toward sustainability goals.

Dear Professor Rowntree,

Your thought-provoking question at the BNU Research and Enterprise conference (2024)—”When is an organisation truly sustainable?”—has remained with me. As a researcher developing the Sustainability Intelligence (SI) concept, I have found this question central to the ongoing discourse on sustainability. My response is rooted in the understanding that sustainability is not a finite goal but an evolving learning, reflection, and adaptation system. In this blog, I will explain my perspective through the lens of SINGH (Synthesis in Navigation Gathering Holistic view), where sustainability is seen as a journey, not a destination.

Sustainability: A Dynamic System

Rather than a single point of achievement, sustainability is an ongoing system of continuous learning, a system that requires organizations to reflect on their practices and adapt for long-term continuity. This approach aligns with my SINGH view, synthesising insights from various perspectives to navigate complex sustainability systems. For example, Sustainability Intelligence (SI) supports this dynamic understanding by embedding sustainability into business models and decision-making processes. As systems thinker Capra (2002) notes, sustainability must be seen as part of the system’s broader existence, integrating social, ecological, and economic factors.

The SI Mindset: Systemic Thinking as a Path Forward

Systemic thinking is at the heart of the SI framework. It allows organizations to view sustainability not as a static endpoint but as a network of interactions that evolve over time (Irwin, 2015). By addressing both short- and long-term goals, systemic thinking encourages businesses to create flexible strategies that allow for adaptation to emerging sustainability challenges.
In my research, Sustainability Intelligence promotes the integration of SI Navigation (SIN) and Conscious Cultivation (SIS), providing organizations with tools to foster sustainability as a mindset. Through these mechanisms, organizations learn to measure their sustainability capacity over time, navigating through systemic complexities rather than aiming for a fixed outcome (Escobar, 2018).

Responding to Professor Rowntree: When is an Organisation Sustainable?

In response to your question, my position is that an organisation becomes sustainable when it recognises that the journey is the goal. Sustainability is never fully achieved but is continuously developed through iterative learning and the practice of an organizational mindset (Capra, 2002). This perspective aligns with the understanding that sustainability is not a static achievement but an ongoing process (Escobar, 2018). Scholars suggest that organizations must continuously evolve their strategies, balancing creativity with resilience, to navigate the complexities of sustainability (Irwin, 2015; Fletcher, 2010). However, sustainability is not merely the journey of an organisation, but rather the journey of a system. It is within this system that a systemic mindset transforms the journey itself into a sustainable process This constant adaptation, shaped by a systemic approach, rather than a fixed endpoint, defines true sustainability in the face of shifting global challenges.

The Role of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc Universities Group

The Oxford-Cambridge Arc Universities Group is pivotal in fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the region. As a hub for cutting-edge research and collaboration, the region connects academic institutions with industries to drive forward-thinking solutions to global challenges, including sustainability. The region’s emphasis on interdisciplinary partnerships enables the development of new frameworks and practices that address complex, system-level sustainability issues. Through initiatives like the Sustainability Intelligence (SI) framework, the region can serve as a model for how regions can integrate systemic thinking into business and academic practices to create more resilient and adaptable systems. The collaborative network between universities, industries, and policymakers within the Arc makes it uniquely positioned to lead in developing sustainable strategies in the UK and on international collaborations.

The region’s unwavering commitment to supporting innovation through these partnerships strengthens its ability to influence how organisations navigate sustainability as a journey of continuous adaptation and learning (Oxford-Cambridge Arc Universities Group, 2024).

The Path Ahead: Embracing Sustainability as a System

As we move forward, it’s clear that sustainability is not a goal to be achieved, but a system of continuous adaptation, learning, and reflection. Organisations must adopt a systemic mindset, where the journey itself becomes a process of sustainable growth. This perspective allows them to navigate the complex, ever-evolving challenges of sustainability while fostering resilience and creativity.
Through the integration of frameworks like Sustainability Intelligence (SI), regions like ours are poised to lead the way. By focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, the Arc demonstrates how sustainable strategies can be developed and applied across industries to create a lasting impact.

In this evolving journey, sustainability is not just about reaching an endpoint, but about continuously shaping the systems that guide us toward a more resilient and adaptable future.

References
BNU Research and Enterprise (2024) BNU Research and Enterprise Conference 2024. Available at: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/bnu-research- and-enterprise-conference-2024 (Accessed: 17 September 2024).
Capra, F. (2002) The Hidden Connections: A Science for Sustainable Living. London: Flamingo.
Escobar, A. (2018) Designs for the Pluriverse. Duke University Press.
Irwin, T., Kossoff, G., and Tonkinwise, C. (2015) ‘Transition Design Provocation’, Design Philosophy Papers, 13(1), pp. 3–11. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/14487136.2015.1085688.
Fletcher, K. (2010) Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys. Earthscan.
Oxford-Cambridge Arc Universities Group (2024) Homepage. Available at: https://arcuniversities.co.uk (Accessed: 16 September 2024).