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Change begins with a single step.

Master Thesis: From Linear to Dynamic: How Systems Thinking Can Future-Proof Renewable Energy Business Models

In his master’s thesis, MD Arifuzzaman examines the growing complexity of the German energy sector and the increasing tension between linear business models and the dynamic, interconnected reality of the energy transition. Based on a quantitative study involving 120 industry stakeholders and simulation-based modeling in simcision, the work reveals a structural gap between management logic and system behavior. As a result, a systems-thinking-oriented business model is developed that treats business models as dynamic systems with feedback loops and interdependencies and, in simulations, shows significantly more robust long-term outcomes. iCONDU supported MD Arifuzzaman through several sparring sessions in the development of the system model and its implementation in simcision.

Summary

SINN|MACHT|GEWINN Kongress 2026

SINN|MACHT|GEWINN conferences are events designed for exchange and co-creation among entrepreneurs who meet as equals and share insights on a wide variety of topics. Whether it’s crisis management, business development, leadership, innovation, sustainability, self-organization, or major failures—everything that concerns entrepreneurs and helps them make a difference in the world is brought into focus here, across industries and company sizes—in an intimate and authentic way.

At the conference in January 2026, Barbara and Michael led the workshop “Turning Those Affected into Shapers—Moving from ‘I’ to ‘We’ Through the IDGs.” In it, they demonstrated that external transformation begins within, and that our values, paradigms, and the associated capabilities for action are key levers for genuine impact. They invited participants to take a courageous look inward to discover how we can initiate change on the outside and design spaces in such a way that they invite others to shape their own paths and encourage them to take action. In the workshop, they used the Inner Development Guide as a language, a source of inspiration, and a space for reflection, and demonstrated in an interactive and playful way how effective spaces for inner development can be created.

SDG Innovation Award 2025

Through the SDG Innovation Award, the German Senate of Industry and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) recognize innovative trailblazers and dedicated pioneers who make exemplary contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In December 2025, iCONDU secured a top-five finish in the Youth & Education category of the SDG Innovation Award for the broad societal impact of the Sustain2030® simulation games.

PM-Summit 2025

Where innovation, inspiration, and networking come together

These were intensive days of learning, sharing, and personal growth that helped participants connect with current and future project managers in Germany and expand their professional networks.

In his presentation, “Impact-Oriented Project Development and Management Using Systems Thinking,” Michael demonstrated how viewing and modeling a project as a system gives rise to a digital twin. Through interactive simulation, this digital twin makes it possible to identify the most appropriate approach while taking potential risks into account.

OrgSpace 2025

Inspiration, exchange, and new perspectives

OrgSpace is an annual event organized by gfo – Gesellschaft für Organisation e.V. that focuses on current topics in organizational and corporate development.

OrgSpace 2025 once again demonstrated the value of medium-sized, dialogue-oriented formats: they facilitate in-depth discussion, practical insights, and networking on an equal footing. Resilience, sustainability, and innovative business models were not only discussed but also jointly reflected upon and further explored.

In his presentation, “Planning and Managing Transformation Processes Using Systemic Models and Simulation,” Michael Holzner demonstrated how systemic models and interactive simulation methods can be used to plan an organization’s transformation proactively, manage it in a results-oriented manner, and quantify its success.

Barbara Holzner holding a Sustain2030 workshop at the IDG unconference
Barbara Holzner at the IDG Summit 2025

IDG Summit 2025 & IDG Unconference

Sustainability is not just about WHAT we do, but also HOW we do it. The Inner Development Goals (IDG) therefore focus on the collective capabilities we need for sustainable transformation.

At the IDG Summit 2025 in Stockholm, international changemakers, future shapers, and leaders came together under the theme “Bridging Polarities” to explore ways in which inner development can enable sustainable change in organizations and society. The focus was on managing complexity, fostering constructive dialogue between different perspectives, and strengthening competencies such as empathy, courage, and collaboration as the foundation for a sustainable transformation.

Barbara represented iCONDU and led an interactive workshop on our SDG-IDG simulation game, Sustain2030® PLAN B, and on playful approaches at the IDG Unconference the day before the summit. She also participated in the three-day System Awareness IDG Masterclass led by Peter Senge and Gustav Böll.

Screenshot of Sustain2030 PLAN B presentation. Contents: Facing inequalities in PLAN B: → Inequalities as challenge that need to be solved to be successful in the game; → Experience alternatives and possibilities; → Reflection on what do we need globally to be able to reduce inequalities

56th ISAGA Conference 2025 & 35rd European Simulation Game Forum

The best of both worlds: In 2025, the 35th European Simulation Forum was held in Stuttgart in conjunction with the 56th International ISAGA Simulation Conference. Under the motto “Shaping the Future,” simulation experts and interested participants came together in interactive workshops and engaging paper sessions to experience the diversity of the simulation method, discuss new research findings, and explore potential applications and uses.

ISAGA (International Simulation and Gaming Association) is one of the oldest communities of individuals engaged in games and simulations. The annual ISAGA Conference brings together researchers and practitioners to discuss a wide range of topics related to simulation games. The European Simulation Game Forum is one of the largest simulation game conferences in Europe—with the goal of showcasing the diversity of simulation game methods and highlighting future developments.

Barbara designed the interactive workshop “Sustain2030 Plan B – Facing Inequalities in Simulation Games.” Through a brief introduction to the PLAN B simulation game, participants were able to experience how inequalities are modeled in the simulation, how this feels for the players, and what impact this has on the participants’ experiences. In addition, Prof. Dr. Siegfried Zürn and Barbara Holzner submitted the paper “A Systems Thinking Simulation Game Based on the Impactation Method: StarsEngines,” which was presented at the conference and will be published in the ZMS Series.

Event

Our Second Common Good Report

Following our first public benefit assessment in 2023, we have now completed our reassessment on October 30, 2025, with an external audit. The second public benefit report includes the current audit opinion.

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