International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Advancing Applications of System Dynamics in Critical Food Systems Research; Comment on “Using System Dynamics to Understand Transnational Corporate Power in Diet-Related Non-communicable Disease Prevention Policy-Making: A Case Study of South Africa”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors
Andrew D. Brown 1, 2
Simone Sherriff 3
Benjamin Wood 2
Steven Allender 2
Fiona Mitchell 2
Yin Paradies 4
Jennifer Browne 2
1 School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
2 Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
3 Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
4 Alfred Deakin Institute, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
10.34172/ijhpm.9128
Abstract
This commentary commends Milsom et al for their critical and rigorous application of qualitative system dynamics to unpack corporate power in food policy-making. Their use of Critical Realism, best practice qualitative methods, and feedback loops exemplifies the maturation of system dynamics applications in public health research. We reflect on how their work aligns with broader debates about power and social theory in system dynamics and how it offers a blueprint for trustworthiness and reflexivity in qualitative modelling. Drawing on our team’s work with Aboriginal communities in Australia, we highlight the value of culturally grounded, participatory modelling in amplifying the voices of communities experiencing historical and ongoing oppression. We support the authors’ call to advance toward simulation modelling and stress the importance of engaging with both system dynamics and communitybased knowledge to realise the transformative potential of systems-informed, community-led research in reshaping food policy and practice. 
Keywords
Systems Thinking
System Dynamics
Commercial Determinants
Food Systems
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Australia
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 14, Issue 1
2025
Pages 1-3

  • Received Date 01 April 2025
  • Revised Date 30 May 2025
  • Accepted Date 01 June 2025
  • First Published Date 03 June 2025
  • Published Date 01 December 2025