A complexity approach for public policies

Complex systems' approach and methodologies emphasize interactions, diversity and dynamics. Complex systems perspectives also enable public policies to be considered comprehensively and simulated in all their multiplicity of sectors and scales, of cause and effect. This paper attempts to summarize the content of the book of the project "Modeling Complex Systems for Public Policies". In doing so, it presents the main concepts and methodologies and it associates the characteristics of social, economic, urban and environmental issues of policy with complex systems approaches. The paper makes a brief list of the existing literature in Brazil related to the applications of complex systems and discusses the applications in education, transport, and the legislative process. The paper concludes that public policies may benefit methodologically if studied within this approach, mainly because of the observed heterogeneity of their agents; the connectedness of agents and policies; and the non-linear fashion of interactions among policies. Further, the formal modeling framework, the adequacy of its data treatment and the communication facilitated by modeling together may help the emergence of more sensible, insightful, and full-scope policy-making.