Evolutionary processes pose fundamental challenges to a quantitative predictive understanding. One of the main reasons for this lack of predictability is the fact that the configuration space of evolving complex systems cannot be pre-stated. Dimensionality and boundary conditions change with every innovation. These systems incessantly explore what Kauffman has termed the adjacent possible. The need to rigorously understand evolutionary systems is bigger than ever before. Humanity as a whole is facing numerous complex challenges. Increased understanding of complex evolutionary dynamics will have wide implications for analysis and management of health, eco-systems, financial markets, societal change, and innovation in the economy.

The aim of this interdisciplinary workshop organized by Stefan Thurner from the Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Johannes Jäger from KLI Klosterneuburg, Ulf Dieckmann from IIASA, and Manfred Laubichler from Arizona State University is to discuss progress in how to conceptualize, quantify, model, and manage the dynamics of evolving complex systems.

Speakers include Jonathan Bard (University of Edinburgh/Oxford University), Paulien Hogeweg (University of Utrecht), Wim Hordijk (KLI), Peter Klimek (Medical University of Vienna), Imre Kondor (Parmenides Foundation), Hans Metz (IIASA), Peter Stadler (University of Leipzig), Eörs Szathmary (Eötvös University Budapest), Francesca Tria (ISI Foundation), Erik van Nimwegen (University of Basel), Berta Verd (KLI), and Stefanie Widder (CeMM).

Please note that the second day of the workshop on November 11 will take place at the Konrad Lorenz Institute in Klosterneuburg, Martinstrasse 12.

Approaches to Evolution of Complex Systems