🚨 Call for Papers: „Organisationen und existenzielle Probleme“ 🚨
Sektionsveranstaltung Organisationssoziologie | #dgs2026
Mainz
Gesellschaftliche Großprobleme wie Klimakrise, Krieg oder KI-Superintelligence sind nicht einfach „da“ – sie werden von Organisationen konstruiert, kategorisiert, bearbeitet etc. Wie machen Organisationen das?
#Soziologie #Organisations #GrandChallenges #KI #Klima #CallForPapers
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What is the difference between a wicked problem and a grand challenge?
The management concepts of wicked problems and grand challenges are closely related but have some key distinctions:
Similarities
Both wicked problems and grand challenges refer to complex, systemic issues that are difficult to solve and have far-reaching societal impacts. They share several characteristics:
Distinctions
While closely related, there are some nuanced differences:
Scope and framing
Solution approach
Origin and usage
Relationship
Many scholars view grand challenges as a subset or reframing of wicked problems. Grand challenges can be seen as large-scale wicked problems that have been formulated into more actionable goals. The grand challenges framing aims to mobilize collaborative efforts to make progress on wicked problems, even if they cannot be fully solved.
Both concepts highlight the need for:
Understanding both wicked problems and grand challenges can help managers and policymakers develop more effective approaches to complex societal issues. The grand challenges framing, in particular, may help motivate action and innovation in addressing wicked problems that might otherwise seem insurmountable.
References
Daar, A.S. et al. (2018) ‘Grand challenges in humanitarian aid’, Nature, 559(7713), pp. 169–173. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-05642-8.
Gariel, C. and Bartel-Radic, A. (2024) ‘Tidying Up the Concept of Grand Challenges: A Bibliometric Analysis’, M@n@gement, 27(S1), pp. 58–79. Available at: https://doi.org/10.37725/mgmt.2024.8884.
Rittel, H.W. and Webber, M.M. (1973) ‘Dilemmas in a general theory of planning’, Policy sciences, 4(2), pp. 155–169. Available at: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/01v4t1c9.
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In 1973, Horst W.J. Rittel and Melvin M. Webber, two Berkeley professors, published an article in Policy Sciences introducing the notion of “wicked” social problems. The article, “Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning,” named 10 properties that distinguished wicked problems from hard but ordinary problems. There is no definitive formulation of a wicked problem. It’s not possible to write a well-defined statement of the problem, as can be done with an ordinary problem. Wicked problems have no stopping rule. You can tell when you’ve reached a solution with an ordinary problem. With a wicked problem, the search for solutions never stops. Solutions to wicked problems are not true or false, but good or bad. Ordinary problems have solutions that can be objectively evaluated as right or wrong. Choosing a solution to a wicked problem is largely a matter of judgment. There is no immediate and no ultimate test of ... Read More
RT @EC_HERA: Missed HERA’s poster at the #GrandChallenges? See it below to learn more about HERA. Keep swiping for a peak at some of the faces behind HERA (and guest appearance from Peter Piot, special advisor to @vonderleyen)!
RT @EC_HERA: “In Europe we did not have a BARDA…so we created HERA to anticipate threats and potential health crises…HERA works closely with Horizon Europe…to close the circle from blue sky discovery all the way to scaling up life-saving measures.” – @vonderleyen at #GrandChallenges
RT @EC_HERA: “It’s fundamental to work together to be prepared for the next health crisis. HERA is ready and looking forward to working with partners around the world, to better protect everyone when the next pandemic strikes.” - Pierre Delsaux, Director General of HERA at #GrandChallenges
On the occasion of the #GrandChallenges Annual Meeting, @ratsosi and @BillGates met this week to progress #research cooperation to combat infectious diseases.
Learn more➡️https://europa.eu/!YJHpXn
RT @EUScienceInnov: We are committed to contributing to the @UN #SDG3 to ensure healthy lives & promote well-being for all!
@ratsosi & @BillGates met yesterday on the occasion of the #GrandChallenges to discuss collaboratio…
🐦🔗: https://nitter.eu/EUScienceInnov/status/1585920349362954240
We are committed to contributing to the @UN #SDG3 to ensure healthy lives & promote well-being for all!
@ratsosi & @BillGates met yesterday on the occasion of the #GrandChallenges to discuss collaboration opportunities in infectious diseases research.
🐦🔗: https://nitter.eu/EUScienceInnov/status/1585179723629748226
RT @vonderleyen: Everyone at #GrandChallenges is committed to equity and global health.
We’re on the right track, but we still have some way to go.
Next month @EU_Commission will table the 🇪🇺 Global Health Strategy.
To progress together towards our global goal. https://nitter.eu/i/broadcasts/1kvJpmgXjZoxE
Marc Moelders
Reda Sadki
Juho Karvinen
Roman Mesicek
EU Medicines Agency
EUScience&Innovation🇪🇺
EU Health - #HealthUnion