This collection documents the evolution of socio-technical systems (STS) theory and practice from its 1950's action research origins in British coal mines to modern day socio-technical ecosystems (STE) and multi-level perspectives.

By “jointly optimizing” social and technical elements through participatory approaches, STS and STE can allow groups to cooperate and adapt to complex and changing environments extending beyond the bounds of any one organization and its own priorities. As explored here, that includes helping realize healthy, equitable, resilient, and sustainable (HERS) food systems, and broader social and solidarity economy ecosystems.