Systems innovators cannot have prior knowledge of the ‘best’ idea on which to act. They need to carefully and mindfully generate, evaluate, and select ideas that they believe would lead to changes they envision.

Actions are ideas that have been scrutinized, assessed and evaluated. The criteria used to assess actions can include:

•  The ability to address the 'ecology of problems'. Often the actions are an 'ecology of actions', as no one action can address the range of problems.

•  Short-term, low-cost solutions coupled with long-term, more engaged solutions.

•  The ability to learn about the system to generate a feedback loop.

•  Considers risks, unintended consequences (for the firm and society), roadblocks, and interconnections among actions.

Systems innovators seek not only to change the system, but also to change themselves and their relationship to the system. Learning through actions is particularly important in complex, dynamic environments.

Actions are based on ideas that solve problems. Actions may be new products and services, or also symbolic, such as changes in identity and discourse. Systems innovators seek not only to change the system, but also change themselves and their relationship to the system. Actions are often a series of nudges and require partners and collaborators.

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