The Institute of Integrated Systems Thinking believes that the advancement of knowledge depends upon collaboration, mutual respect, and responsible stewardship of resources.
The Institute seeks to recognize the value of intellectual, educational, administrative, technical, creative, and relationship-building contributions. Whenever possible, meaningful work that advances the Institute’s mission should be appropriately compensated, acknowledged, or supported through educational and professional development opportunities.
As an independent institute, IIST welcomes collaboration with scholars, translators, educators, students, civil society leaders, researchers, and community practitioners who share its commitment to public education, human dignity, and intellectual integrity. While the Institute may cooperate with universities, nonprofits, foundations, and other organizations, its primary partnerships are established with individuals. Participants contribute in their personal and professional capacities and are encouraged to speak for themselves rather than on behalf of their employers or affiliated institutions unless explicitly authorized to do so.
This approach reflects the Institute’s belief that knowledge is ultimately created, interpreted, translated, and transmitted by people. By emphasizing relationships among individuals, the Institute seeks to encourage open inquiry, intellectual diversity, and collaboration across institutional, disciplinary, and geographic boundaries.
The Institute also maintains a commitment to intellectual independence. Financial support, institutional partnerships, and collaborative relationships do not determine research findings, publication decisions, educational content, or scholarly conclusions. The Institute seeks to cultivate an environment in which inquiry is guided by evidence, careful analysis, open dialogue, and fidelity to its mission.
Through responsible stewardship of resources and respectful partnership with contributors and supporters, IIST seeks to build a sustainable community dedicated to research, education, translation, mentorship, and public scholarship.
Additional governance and stewardship policies are available through the Institute’s collaboration platform.