Industrial ecology
endeavors to understand how the industrial system works, how it is regulated, and its interaction with the biosphere; then,
on the basis of what we know about ecosystems, to determine how it could be restructured to make it compatible with the way
natural ecosystems function. Much like ecosystems, man-made systems constantly evolve because individuals, organizations,
governments decide on consumption, industrial design, (dis)investment and regulation respectively in response to and in interaction
with their respective environment. (Journal of Industrial Ecology, 2008)
In complexity theory system
evolution is a central paradigm. Under its banner, a range of methodologies and associated tools have been developed,
such as artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, agent-based modeling, system dynamics, evolutionary programming, genetic
algorithm and hybrid modeling. It may therefore be seen that the use of complexity theory and tools has potential to
shift the frontier of industrial ecology, by enhancing the quality of systems analysis and by underpinning recommendations
for redirecting industrial development towards sustainability. (Journal of Industrial Ecology, 2008).
