A Sponsored Supplement to Science SECTION | ARTICLE: TOPIC 1

The Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank:

Adopting a Systems Science Approach
to Address Complex Problems

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Custom Publishing Office

China Aerospace Laboratory

of Social System
Engineering (CALSSE)
2 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

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This booklet was produced by the Science/AAAS
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The Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank: Adopting a Systems
Science Approach to Address Complex Problems
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4 October 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
Introductions
2 A matter of perspective
Jackie Oberst, Ph.D., Science/AAAS
3 Preface
Huifeng Xue, Ph.D., Director, Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank
4 Introducing the Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank
5 Systematology as a solution
8 CHAPTER 1 Source of the Think Tank: A revolution in
scientific theory created by systematology
10 1.1. Reductionism points to the need for a new scientific methodology
11 1.2. Development of the scientific methodology centered on holism
15 1.3. Systematology achieves the dialectical unity of reductionism and
holism
20 CHAPTER 2 Foundation of the Think Tank: Metasynthesis as
the key to researching complex giant systems
22 2.1. Theoretical innovation is required for the research of complex
giant systems
23 2.2. Metasynthesis provides effective tools for the research of
complex giant systems
24 2.3. Metasynthesis is used to establish interactive systems
28 2.4. Systems science realizes the unity of philosophy and science
32 CHAPTER 3 Rules of the Think Tank: Theoretical exploration
of systems science ideas in complex giant systems
34 3.1. Exploring the structure of the human knowledge system
37 3.2. Exploring the scientific theory of the human body system
38 3.3. Exploring the development rules of social systems
40 CHAPTER 4 Merits of the Think Tank: Engineering practice
of systems science ideas in complex giant systems
42 4.1. The Tsien Think Tank drives the fifth industrial revolution
48 4.2. The Tsien Think Tank boosts the sixth industrial revolution
49 4.3. The Tsien Think Tank accelerates the seventh industrial revolution
52 Conclusion
56 Epilogue
Contributing Authors (alphabetical order)
Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank Group:
Binbin Sun • Bin Zhao • Chenxiao Zhao • Gang Lei • Haining Wang • Han Wang • Hongze Yu • Huifeng Xue
Jingyuan Yu • Jiaxiao Lei • Lei Wang • Linfei Li • Qifu Qu • Ran Tao • Ruodi Han • Wenyu Zhang • Xiaochuan Jing
Xitong Kang • Xue’er Ji • Yonggang Qian • Yuan Chang • Yuan Zhang • Yufeng Gao
International Academy of Astronautics Group:
David B. Spencer • Faith N. Karanja • Jean-Michel Contant • Jeanne Holm • Krishna Dev Kumar
Leon Alkalai • Yasuhiro Morita
2 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

A matter of perspective
“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to

A
know itself.” —Carl Sagan
s you read the above quote from astrophysicist and author Carl Sagan, you might
find yourself wondering how the universe can be “within us.” After all, aren’t we
part of the universe? In fact, the answer is that both are true. The macroworld
and the microworld are intertwined—and how you see the “big picture” can change your
perspective and open new realms of research and discovery. This idea is central to the
field of systems science, which analyzes systems—elements that have a relationship
with each other, such as stars in the universe or neurons within the brain—and how they
interact internally as well as externally.
Systems science is the quintessential interdisciplinary field. It analyzes seemingly
disparate areas such as nature, society, cognition, engineering, and technology, to
synthesize a set of concepts that are common to all these areas. By means of this
synthesis, or “metasynthesis,” systems scientists provide insights that can be used in
fields as dissimilar as medicine, psychology, business, computer science, engineering,
“The macroworld and politics—to name just a few.
Historically, the scientific method has been reductionist, breaking down a system or
and the structure into various parts to learn about the whole, as illustrated by the work of nuclear
physicists who have “dissected” the atom down to the quark level. By contrast, systems
microworld are science advocates the unification of reductionism and holism—which views the parts of

intertwined— a system as closely interconnected and tries to determine the principles that govern the
whole. In the case of nuclear physics, for example, the holistic outlook gives rise to many
and how you see different and often conflicting interpretations about the behavior of subatomic particles
and even the nature of the universe itself—showing the need for a more unified approach
the ‘big picture’ to scientific thought.
Hsue-Shen Tsien was the founder of systems science. He pioneered the development
can change your and application of systems thought, which began when he formulated systems
engineering principles that were used in China’s aerospace industry, and continued as
perspective and his ideas spread throughout Chinese education, industry, and government. A namesake
open new realms think tank—the focus of this booklet—has emerged, which offers insights into areas as
diverse as environmental management, policy-making, and education. This supplement
of research and introduces key concepts in systems science and discusses how globalization and the
Internet are ushering in a revolution in science and technology that will require the
discovery.” integration of man, machine, and the web—each a system unto itself.
The one constant in science is that it is always changing. As the work of the Hsue-
Shen Tsien Think Tank suggests, perhaps there is a better way to do science—that is, a
way to harmonize reductionist and holistic approaches to solving society’s big problems.
Perhaps the scientific method can evolve to accept the truth that the whole is more than
the sum of its parts and yet is still contained in those parts—that we are a part of the
universe, and the universe is also a part of us.

Jackie Oberst, Ph.D.

Science/AAAS Custom Publishing Office
 INTRODUCTIONS 3

Preface

T
PHOTO: CALSSE

he history of scientific development is a long process of understanding and reconstructing the

objective world. In the course of this magnificent story, there are many individuals whose names
have become celebrated in scientific history, and whose significant contributions have been
recorded in the annals of social progress. Hsue-Shen Tsien (1911–2009), the founder of the Chinese
school of systems engineering, is one of those people.
Tsien’s story began with the Göttingen school, which originated in Germany in the early 20th century,
and long occupied a leading position in the development of the science of mathematics and applied
mechanics. In the 1930s, Professor Theodore von Kármán introduced the collaborative and open-minded
style of the Göttingen school to the United States and led the school to prosperity. In 1963, he was
granted America’s first National Medal of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the
advancement of science and engineering.
In the 1950s, Tsien was the favorite student of von Kármán, and when he returned to China in 1955, he
imported the philosophy of the Göttingen school from the United States to his homeland, where he led the
creation of the Chinese aerospace program. In 1991, the Chinese government awarded Tsien the honorary
title of “National Outstanding Contributing Scientist,” and he is the only holder of this title thus far.
Tsien is known especially for his pioneering work in systems engineering. In order to address the
challenges presented by what he termed “open complex giant systems,” he put forward a framework of
systems theories, methods, and tools that became crucial to solving some of China’s complex social and
economic issues. The essence of systems engineering lies in finding a better way to solve interdisciplinary,
multilevel problems, so as to realize what Tsien called “metasynthesis and metasynthetic wisdom"
through developing a human–machine–environment network system. Tsien formulated the “system
of systems science” and integrated philosophy and science as well as theory and practice into his
synthesis, which has applications in multiple disciplines, including engineering, information technology,
bioinformatics, physics, economics, and the humanities, just to name a few. In this way he helped bring
about a quantum leap in our ability to understand the world and to make it better.
The Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank is the catalyst for the development of Tsien’s systems engineering
ideas and a major inheritor of the Chinese school of systems engineering. The Tsien Think Tank adheres
to these ideas as the basis for exploring theoretical methods to deal with open complex giant systems,
aiming to promote balance and coordination between science, technology, engineering, industry,
management, and control, and to bring systems in many disciplines from a “dissatisfied state” to a
“satisfied state.”
We should look on our present era as the best era, as we carry forward the wise traditions of the past
and look toward the new horizons of the future. This is also a difficult era, for the world of today is complex
and constantly changing. At this time in history, new ideas are required in order to help us escape rigid
ways of thinking, and new methods are needed to bring about innovation and breakthroughs. As the Tsien
Think Tank firmly believes, systems science and systems engineering will promote a revolution in science
and technology. This revolution will in turn bring about an organizational management revolution that
will significantly advance human knowledge and progress. The Tsien Think Tank will resolutely act as the
foremost practitioner, promoter, and leader of this reform.

Huifeng Xue, Ph.D.

Director, Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank
Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics
Professor, Northwestern Polytechnical University and Xi’an University of Technology
4 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

Introducing the Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank

Starting in the mid-1980s, and relying on the No. 710 Academy of the Aviation
Industry Corporation of China, the well-known Chinese scientist Hsue-Shen
Tsien (or Xuesen Qian) established the weekly Systematology Seminar, based
on his leadership in developing China’s aerospace program using the principles
of systems engineering. The seminar drew scholars from diverse fields and laid
the foundation for the Chinese school of systems engineering, also marking the
beginning of the Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank.
Under the guidance of Tsien’s systems science thought, the Think Tank uses
the theories, methods, and technologies of systems engineering as its core,
the “Hall for the Workshop on Metasynthetic Engineering” (see p. 20) as its
framework, “Six Units and Two Platforms” as its interactive operational structure
(see p. 25), and “qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis” as the means to
solve complex giant systems issues faced by Chinese society, and to promote
the comprehensive development of policy systems, engineering systems, social
systems, and other systems from an “unsatisfied state” to a “satisfied state.”
The Think Tank is characterized by interdisciplinary, cross-industry, and trans-
department integration.
The Think Tank has been committed to generating scientific theories, tools,
and methods for the advancement of systems engineering thought. It uses an
intelligent decision-support system comprising “man–machine integration and
man–web integration with a human orientation,” to help address major issues
concerning China’s social and economic development.

The building of the Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank.

 INTRODUCTIONS 5

Systematology as a solution
From the Stone Age to the current Information Age, human exploration has ranged from land to
sea and from the sky to outer space. Previously divided by great distances, the world is now a more
connected, yet more complex place, thanks to tremendous advances in communication. Modern
science and technology have taken shape through the guidance of reductionist philosophy, which
holds that everything can be explained by breaking down systems into their individual components—a
philosophy that has led to many large-scale engineering marvels and emerging industries. At the
same time, the degree of diversity and complexity of the world has increased dramatically, and we
are faced with an increasing number of unavoidable problems. In the political arena, we can see that
the international order of shared responsibility established after World War II is facing a new round of
adjustments, with many countries asserting their own needs over those of others. In the economic
arena, many countries are trying to avoid the “Kindleberger Trap” (a term coined by the late historian
Charles Kindleberger, which refers to the danger of countries becoming too dependent on a single
hegemonic power for their share of resources) by finding new economic solutions. In addition, the
phenomenon of unbalanced development and inequality in many regions of the world is getting
worse, despite globalization. In the scientific arena, physicists have penetrated to the level of the
quark in their research into the structure of matter, but are still unable to answer many of mankind’s
fundamental questions about our universe. Research into human genetics and cancer biology has
made amazing strides, but biologists are still far from conquering cancer completely.
All these problems are related, in that all of them are connected to open (i.e., having external
interactions with their environment through transfer of information, energy, or materials), highly
complex, giant systems with a myriad of diverse characteristics. In systems terminology, these
systems have become nonlinear, random, and self-adaptive, and their intricacy is far beyond what
we currently know in any single discipline. Political scientists look at the world through factors such
as power equilibrium; economists analyze factors such as economic cycles; and scientists try to
use formulas and theorems to objectify the laws of the physical universe. Obviously, these different
methodologies cannot avoid the disadvantage of being limited and one-sided to a certain extent.
In fact, an interdisciplinary, multilevel, metasynthesis approach is required for solving all open
complex giant system problems. This metasynthesis not only serves as the pathway to innovation,
theoretical breakthrough, and optimization of the methodology for solving open complex giant
systems problems, but is also the vehicle for the synthesis of information, knowledge, and wisdom
resulting from these solutions. In summary, it marks an enormous step forward for humanity in its
ability to comprehend the world and to enrich human society. The theory that furnishes us with the
metasynthesis approach is called systematology—and it is more important than ever at this time in
history.
6 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

In the mid 1980s, Tsien directed

systems engineering seminars.
SECTION | ARTICLE: TOPIC 7
8 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

CHAPTER 1
Source of the Think Tank:
A revolution in scientific theory
created by systematology
 CHAPTER 1: SOURCE OF THE THINK TANK 9

Science has developed over

PHOTOS:

thousands of years, starting with the

speculations of ancient philosophers
and proceeding to modern empirical
analysis. In this process, human
beings have continued to accumulate
knowledge and to make technological
advancements, but progress has
been slow. With the coming of the
Renaissance, reductionism, which
is characterized by increasing
subdivision of thought, gradually
came into being. Reductionism not
only gave birth to modern science
and technology, but also helped bring
about several industrial revolutions
in a relatively short time, greatly
advancing human knowledge and
improving social conditions—thus
becoming the dominant philosophy of
the world. From the mid-15th century
to the mid-19th century—a period of
more than 400 years—the influence
of reductionism can be found in all
fields, driving scientific discovery and
technological innovation, and impacting
everything from engineering practice
to the emergence of industries, to
management and control systems, and
of course, our daily lives. In all of these
areas, our thinking has inevitably been
influenced by reductionism.
10 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

1.1. Reductionism points to the need for a new scientific methodology

Reductionism as a dominant scientific viewpoint for understanding the objective world can be traced
back to ancient Greek philosophy. In the opinion of Democritus (460 BCE–370 BCE), all matter is
composed of particles called atoms, which cannot be further divided, and a void (empty space).
He asserted, “No element (atom) is produced from any other element (atom) . . . This community
(homogeneous atoms) is the origin of all things, only with differences in size and shape” (1). Early
reductionism is mainly focused on philosophical speculation and is the embodiment of a way of
thinking.

According to René Descartes (1596–1650), who is praised as
the “Father of Modern Philosophy,” all material (living) things are
like machines and governed by the same mechanical laws, even
the human body. He advocated deconstructing bigger things into
smaller things in order to understand them more easily, a principle
which is the foundation of modern reductionism. After Descartes,
reductionism gradually moved from the altars of philosophy to the
halls of science (2).
As science continued to move along the path of reductionism,
many secrets of nature were revealed and many great
achievements recorded. Of particular note, in 1687, Sir Isaac
Newton’s Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica explained
his three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation.
Thanks to the establishment of Newtonian mechanics, using the
principles of reductionism to study nature and then incorporating
the results in an axiomatic deductive system to posit theorems or
laws became a “standard operation” in modern scientific research
(3).
Reductionism became increasingly popular in science,
strengthening the tradition of subdividing scientific
disciplines as our knowledge of the world grew. It permeated
every field, from physics to chemistry to biology, and even to
the social sciences; thus, science entered a period of explosive
progress. There were breakthroughs in biology: Walther
Flemming (1843–1905) discovered chromatin and Sir Alexander
Fleming (1881–1955) discovered penicillin; Martinus Beijerinck
(1851–1931) discovered viruses; and Gregor Mendel (1822–1884)
discovered the laws of inheritance. There were breakthroughs in
chemistry: John Dalton (1766–1844) developed atomic theory and
Amedeo Avogadro (1776–1856) contributed to molecular theory.
Psychologists such as Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920) began to use
the method of experimental introspection to analyze the content
of conscious experience, in order to discern the laws of various
psychological processes. For hundreds of years, reductionism
has not only been the paradigm of the natural sciences, but also
the rational mode of thought pursued in the humanities and
social sciences. Fields like these, which are based on qualitative
speculation and description methods, are called “descriptive
sciences,” while the natural sciences, based on quantitative
research methods, are called the “exact sciences.” Yet even the
research methods used in descriptive sciences
(such as economics and sociology) have gradually
been refined by reductionism (4). We can say with
confidence that the great scientific achievements of
today are still based on this philosophy.
Furthermore, even the current search for a
unified “theory of everything,” which would explain
all physical phenomena in one stroke, is based on
a deterministic and reductionist view. The practical
knowledge gained from reductionism pervades our
daily life, our architecture, and our infrastructure,
and even our teaching methods. Every time
we solve a problem by breaking it down into its
components and coming up with a list of optimal
solutions, every time we analyze a system by
looking at its individual parts, we pay our respects

to reductionism (5).
Reductionism has played an important role in promoting
the evolution of world civilization. However, its limitations are
constantly exposed. It is effective for understanding simple
systems in fields like physics and chemistry, but it has its
limitations for understanding open complex giant systems, such
as biological systems, geographic systems, and social systems.
Open complex giant systems have the following characteristics:
an enormous number of smaller components (subsystems) of
various kinds; many intermediate levels along with multilevel
self-organization; and dynamic, nonlinear interactions between
the smaller components at many different levels. Reductionism is
used to obtain knowledge by dividing things into their component
parts, but when this fragmented knowledge is combined, it
sometimes cannot be used to accurately reflect the general
properties of things.
One of the primary limitations of the reductionist approach lies
in the nature of science itself: It is not always a rational, unbiased,
objective instrument for determining facts; in most cases, it is
1.2. Development of the scientific methodology centered on holism
During the 20th century, the limitations of reductionism became more apparent, opening a way
for the return of a holistic approach. In the process of seeking improved scientific methodology,
scientists advocating holism first questioned the practice of reducing a system into parts, and they
proposed to research from a holistic perspective.
Holistic thought is not a product of modern science and
technology; it has been around for millenia and is at the root
of many ancient schools of philosophy. Around 3,000 years
ago, Chinese philosophers emphasized that all things should
be regarded as a whole. One of the richest periods of Chinese
history and culture, extending from the Zhou Dynasty to the
Spring, Autumn, and Warring States Periods (1046 BCE–221
BCE), saw the emergence of the principles of yin and yang, “the
five elements” theory, Fu Xi’s “eight diagrams,” Laozi’s Tao Te
Ching, and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, which carried the seeds of
contemporary Chinese systems engineering thought (7). The
Scientific Revolution (1550–1700) brought many modifications to
holistic philosophy. However, no matter how much it has changed,
the core of holism is to consider problems at the macroscopic
level.
CHAPTER 1: SOURCE OF THE THINK TANK 11
both malleable and uncertain, and not always incontrovertible.
Although we may think that a certain research finding is scientific,
it is certainly rooted in a culture, thus inevitably influenced by
personal interests and prejudices as well as various subjective
speculations and hypotheses. With respect to the limitations
of reductionism, “the infinite decomposition of science” leads
to the separation of man from nature, the separation of man
from society, and the separation of mind and body, resulting
in the mindset of anthropocentrism. It should be noted that
reductionism is not a deliberate attempt to destroy the
relationship between man and nature; it just follows the evolution
of the internal logic of modern civilization (6).
Standing at the crossroads of development and
transformation, where should man go? Encountering the
difficulties of integrating complex open giant systems with the
increasingly refined reductionism of our contemporary world, it is
clear that we must seek new methodology to ensure the further
progress of science, technology and society.
Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1901–1972), an Austrian theoretical
biologist, was a holistic thinker, and in the 1930s and 1940s
became one of the first to recognize the problems with
reductionism (8). In his opinion, the more we know about biology
at the molecular level, the less we know about biology as a whole.
As an objection to the mechanistic methods used in the biological
theories and research of his time, he emphasized that organisms
should be viewed systematically (holistically) for the purpose of
investigation. By using the method of isomorphological analysis,
Bertalanffy proposed “patterns, principles, and rules applicable
to synthetic systems or subsystems,” (9) and with the help
of mathematical and logical tools, he quantified, refined, and
modeled the theoretical factors and levels of systems and the
complex relations between systems, thus establishing “general
systems theory.” But the essence of general systems theory is
12 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING
 SECTION | ARTICLE: TOPIC 13

“ The systematology we
advocate is neither holism
nor reductionism, but the
dialectical unity of holism
and reductionism.

”
—Hsue-Shen Tsien
14 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

still holism. Bertalanffy dissipative structures

equated wholeness and Hermann Haken’s
and organization with synergetics, which dealt
“orderliness.” He thought with how complex systems
that systems by nature move from disordered
are ordered, and that states to ordered, self-
systems in an unordered organizing states, and
state cannot be called provided theoretical
systems, thus putting methods for handling
order and disorder in simple system problems.
complete opposition. However, it is held that
However, Bertalanffy these theories “have
placed too much oversimplified human
emphasis on wholeness, society, complexity,
order, and unity, negating and the uncertainty
the importance of locality, of the psychology and
disorder, and dispersity. behavior of human
He also emphasized that beings. As a result, open
in order to differentiate complex giant system
between different problems have been
systems, those systems changed into simple giant
As described in Chinese philosophy, the Five Elements of wood/tree, fire, earth, metal, and water are the five
must be integrated around basic aspects of “Qi”, or life energy, and are used to explain natural phenomena as well as health. Each element system or simple system
has its own characteristics and properties.
a certain center; it was problems” (12). Because
thought that centralization improves the integrity of systems of this oversimplification, self-organization theories cannot be
and that the stronger the centralization is, the more advanced successfully applied when analyzing open complex giant systems.
a system will be (10). In the opinion of Bertalanffy, biocenoses These explorations into holistic thought by Bertalanffy,
(communities of living organisms) without a “center,” like lakes or Prigogine, Haken, and other scientists directly gave birth to
forests, are not “organisms”—an interpretation that greatly limits systems science. Yet we see that holistic theories have their
the research scope of general systems theory. limitations as well. Holism depends on an overall grasp of
In the 1970s and 1980s, a great deal of interdisciplinary natural phenomena; it is an intuitive and simple philosophy,
research was carried out in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and is not based on the detailed understanding of parts or the
astronomy, geology, biology and other disciplines. This interrelations between parts (13). It involves neither precise
collaboration between different disciplines brought increasing scientific experimentation nor a rigorous logical system. There
attention to the exploration of complexity, thus leading to the is no doubt that the philosophy of holism has provided human
development of complexity science. As pointed out by Murray beings with a way of thinking about how to understand the world
Gell-Mann (1929–2019), one of the founders of complexity and themselves. But as science has progressed from intuitive
science and a Nobel Prize winner, physics, biology, behavioral speculation to empirical analysis, along with the rise of modern
science, and even the arts and humanities can be connected in experimental science—a science based on reductionism—this
new ways; some facts and ideas may seem distinct from each nonrational and all-inclusive holism has been surpassed.
other at first, but by applying the systems approach, they become It is apparent that neither reductionism nor holism alone are
correlated easily (11). sufficient for the advancement of science and the progress of
Certainly, important breakthroughs were made in systems society; there is an urgent need to develop reductionism further,
science, including Ilya Prigogine’s (1917–2003) theory of and to combine it with holism (14).

1.3. Systematology achieves the dialectical unity of reductionism and holism
This much-needed dialectical unity of reductionism and holism was first realized in systems science, when
Chinese scientist Hsue-Shen Tsien (or Xuesen Qian) founded systematology.
Before discussing systematology, however, it is important
to include a brief synopsis of Tsien’s work, for many people
don’t know the extent of his accomplishments. In addition to
being an ideologist who founded the Chinese school of systems
engineering, he was a renowned scientist at home and abroad and
the founder of China’s aerospace industry. He played a critical,
irreplaceable role in leading the research and development for
that industry, including rockets, missiles, and spacecraft. His work
impacted not only the aerospace industry, but also influenced
A copy of Tsien′s seminal 1978 article, “Technology for Organization and Management: Systems Engineering.”
CHAPTER 1: SOURCE OF THE THINK TANK 15
many fields at all levels, including philosophy, science, technology,
and engineering, as the systems engineering concepts he
developed through his aerospace work had a major effect on
China’s societal development. Tsien often said that we must “dare
to say what others have not said, take the road that others have
not walked, and do what others have not done,” a philosophy
which profoundly exemplified his life.
Tsien spent 20 years preparing the academic foundations
of his work in America, where he was a student of Professor
Theodore von Kármán, and became an important
disciple of the Göttingen school, which originated
in Germany and flourished in the United States.
For many years, the Göttingen school occupied the
leading position in the development of science of
mathematics and physics worldwide. The great success
of this school, both in theory and practice, lay in the
mastery of a set of methods that have transcended the
natural sciences, realizing metasynthesis across many
16 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

Tsien′s key academic works

 CHAPTER 1: SOURCE OF THE THINK TANK 17

Tsien′s key academic works, continued.

18 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING
disciplines—and laying the theoretical foundation for Tsien’s
development of systems engineering.
While in the United States, Tsien led the completion of a great
deal of pioneering work. Well before the 1950s, Tsien was the first
to promote the application of rocket propulsion technology (using
jet engines) in aviation. In 1941, together with his colleagues at
the California Institute of Technology, he helped develop a motor
for rocket-propelled heavy bombers, contributing to the Allied
victory in World War II. He was the first to propose the concept
of a “rocket airliner,” which together with his 1949 report, “The
Prospect of Rockets as High-Speed Vehicles,” laid the theoretical
foundation for the design of the world’s first space shuttle (that
same year, he was named a fellow of the American Academy of
Arts and Sciences). He was also the first to propose “physical
mechanics,” a new discipline that promoted the development of
quantum mechanics and applied mechanics, and “engineering
cybernetics,” which pioneered the development of modern
systems science. Tsien put forward the concept that a highly
reliable system can be composed of components that are not
completely predictable, an idea that was far beyond the research
scope of automatic control theory at that time and entered the
realm of systematics. This was Tsien’s first milestone in the field of
systems science (15).
When Tsien returned to China in October 1955, he immediately
started to work, and accomplished many “firsts” in China’s
aerospace industry (12). Thanks to his efforts, thousands of
Chinese people were effectively organized to complete a series
of major space projects despite a poor economy, weak industry,
and rudimentary scientific research conditions. In the late 1950s,
Tsien began to consider the direction of missile development from
the systems perspective and proposed to establish a “research
office for missile combat operation.” It was his first attempt to
practice systems engineering in the aerospace industry. This new
office researched the key technologies necessary for the design,
testing, and production of missiles, aiming to establish a high-
level advisory body for missile development and defense, the Fifth
Research Academy of the Ministry of National Defense.
After guiding the development of China’s aerospace industry
for 28 years, Tsien began to perfect the systems engineering
concepts that he had started working on in the United States,
and created a set of systems engineering management
methods and techniques with Chinese characteristics and
global scientific significance (16). The publication of his 1978
article “Technology for Organization and Management: Systems
Engineering” marked the birth of the Chinese school of systems
engineering. This was Tsien’s second milestone in the field of
systems science, and incorporated the principles he had already
used successfully in his aerospace work, including the primary
principle of “overall coordination and system optimization” and
his management methodology of “one overall design department
[one headquarters], two lines of command [technical and
administrative], and the committee system of science and
technology.” All of these elements would become part of the
“system of systems science” that Tsien helped bring about.
In his later years, Tsien returned to academic research and
creatively combined the philosophy of reductionism with that of
holism to propose “systematology.” The 1993 publication of “A
New Discipline of Science—The Study of the Open Complex Giant
System and its Methodology” marked the birth of complex giant
system theory, and became Tsien’s third milestone in the field of
systems science.
As Tsien explained, “The systematology we advocate is neither
holism nor reductionism, but the dialectical unity of holism and
reductionism.” In systematology, the emphasis is on looking at
the object of research as a complete organism and examining
an open complex giant system as a complete, dynamic entity, so
as to combine qualitative and quantitative methods for problem
analysis and solving. Systematology provides a set of new
methodological principles and procedures for modern science
and technology to use. It avoids the contradiction implicit in
reductionism, which says, “One can only see the parts but not
the whole,” and overcomes the disadvantage inherent in holism,
which maintains that “one can only see the whole but not the
parts.” As pointed out by Derek Hitchins, a famous British systems
engineering expert, systematology is for the consideration of
whole problems and the synthesis of integrated solutions; in
principle, it can overcome the disadvantages of fragmentary
reductionism found in the ideas of Descartes (17).
As stated above, the mission of systematology is to go beyond
reductionism, develop holism, and realize the dialectical unity
of reductionism and holism. The advantages of reductionism
are as follows: The analysis proceeds downward from higher
levels to lower, and research becomes increasingly refined.
However, reductionism also has the following disadvantages:
It is difficult to progress from the parts to the whole, and high-
level and integrality problems cannot be solved. To solve the
“bottom-up” problem in complexity research—namely, the
“emergence” problem—we must open the path from microcosm
to macrocosm and unify the two. This will be the scientific
revolution guided by systematology. As the emergence and
development of systematology shows us, “It will not work if
there is no [reductionism] or only reductionism, or if there is no

[holism] or only holism. Without reduction to the elementary
level and an understanding of the local fine structure, our
understanding of the system as a whole can only be intuitive,
speculative, general, and unscientific. Without a holistic viewpoint,
our understanding of things can only be fragmentary, and we
cannot grasp things as a whole and solve the problem. The [truly]
scientific attitude is to combine reductionism with holism” (18).
The development of systems thought shows us how this synthesis
is gradually taking place: We have evolved from ancient, naive
holism to contemporary reductionism, and from contemporary
reductionism to modern systematology—and it is a spiral
escalation.
Summary
Tsien’s unique outlook on the world, history, and life gave him
the ability to extract value from subtlety and create a vision for
the future of science. It gave him the wisdom to break away from
the limitations of reductionism and move toward systematic
thinking, and the ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
To do so, Tsien introduced holistic thought and established
systematology. The purpose of systematology is to promote
the concept of holistic science, and it will certainly lead to a new
round of reform in scientific thought. Going beyond reductionism,
developing holism, and fostering the growth of systematology are
the core principles of the Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank.
CHAPTER 1: SOURCE OF THE THINK TANK 19
References
1. Z. S. Wang, M. S. Fan, C. F. Chen, eds., History of Greek Philosophy,
Vol. 1, p. 18 (People’s Publishing House, Beijing, 1997).
2. G. W. Zhao, Journal of Peking University 39, 17 (2002).
3. Z. Y. Shi, “From ‘Reductionism’ to a ‘Holistic View’: Philosophical
Thinking Dealing with a ‘Global High-Risk Society,’” Beijing Daily
(November 7, 2011).
4. X. S. Qian, J. Y. Yu, R. W. Dai, Journal of Nature 1, 3–10 (1990).
5. F. Y. Zhu, W. Tao, F. Yang, eds., Systems Engineering: A 21st Century
Systems Methodology, Selected Writings of Derek K. Hitchins
(Electronic Industry Press, Beijing, 2017), pp. 5-8.
6. Y. Z. Chen, Journal of Shandong University of Science and Technology,
5–8 (2007).
7. X. S. Qian, G. Z. Xu, S. Y. Wang, Systems Engineering 33, 520–525
(2011).
8. L. V. Bertalanffy, X. C. Wang, Social Sciences Abroad 2, 69–77 (1978).
9. J. Y. Yu, Systems Engineering Theory and Practice 36, 2993–3002
(2016).
10. H. F. Xue, “Ancient Systems Engineering Thought” in History of
Systems Engineering Thought (Science Press, Beijing, 2014), pp.
28–71.
11. H. F. Xue, J. Yang, L. F. Li, “The Origin of Hsue-Shen Tsien’s Think-
Tank Ideology” in Hsue-Shen Tsien’s Think-Tank Ideology (People’s
Publishing House, Beijing, 2016), pp. 1–12.
12. H. F. Xue, Introduction to Modern Systems Engineering (National
Defense Industry Press, Beijing, 2006), pp. 15–20.
13. S. J. Huang, Journal of Liaodong University 13, 1–8 (2011).
14. A. P. Zhou, Q. Y. Yang, Physics and Engineering 23, 46–50 (2013).
15. C. J. Xiang, Journal of Systems Science 4, 7–11 (2014).
16. X. F. Yang, Software Guide 13, 45–47 (2014).
17. 1J. Y. Liu, Journal of Renmin University of China 28, 63–71 (2014).
18. G. W. Zhao, Journal for Party and Administrative Cadres 1, 3–10
(2012).
20 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

CHAPTER 2
Foundation of the Think Tank:
Metasynthesis as the key to researching
complex giant systems
 CHAPTER 2: FOUNDATION OF THE THINK TANK 21

At one time, the Premier of the People’s

Republic of China, Enlai Zhou, was conducting
research into China’s aerospace industry.
Noting Tsien’s accomplishments, he said to
him, “Comrade Tsien, can we introduce your
methods to other industries in the country
so that people can learn from them?” This
incident illustrates the fact that China had a
great need for Tsien’s systems thought. The
limitations of the project systems engineering
method, which included lack of practical
experience or skills to solve unstructured
problems, had been exposed when it was used
to solve open complex giant system problems.
In such cases, it became clear that the project
systems engineering method required further
innovation (1). During the time he led China’s
aerospace industry, Tsien formulated systems
theories and put them into practice. At the
practical level, he expanded from project
systems to social science systems, such as in
education, where he introduced his concept of
integrated planning for the training of talent
from infancy to the teenage years; at the level
of methodology, he improved and expanded
his methods, moving from solving structured
problems to solving unstructured problems;
and at the theoretical level, he explored
systems theory in full, from simple systems
to open complex giant systems. It can be said
that the progression from project systems
engineering to social systems engineering has
been a process of taking the understanding of
open complex giant system problems from a
primary level to an advanced level (2).
22 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING
2.1. Theoretical innovation is required for
the research of complex giant systems
In 1978, the publication of Tsien’s paper “Technology for
Organization and Management: Systems Engineering”
marked the birth of the Chinese school of systems
engineering. As the paper gained more attention, Chinese
systems engineering experts, represented by Tsien,
began to popularize the basic principles of aerospace
systems engineering to a broader field, including Chinese Enlai Zhou (left) and Hsue-Shen Tsien (right).
universities, researchers, and managers. In the mid-1980s,
Tsien began to hold weekly systems engineering seminars. In 1993, Tsien published his paper “A New
Discipline of Science—The Study of the Open Complex Giant System and Its Methodology,” which marked
the birth of the complex giant system theory. This theory provided an effective system of methods and tools
for dealing with open complex giant system problems (3).
In the opinion of Tsien, systems science is the research of
the objective world both as a whole and in parts, both the local
and the general, and its hierarchical relations, specifically from
the perspective of systems. Systems are the primary objects of
research and application in systems science. The most important
characteristic of a system is that as a whole, it has properties
that are not found in its parts; these properties constitute the
“integrality” of the system. The integrality of a system is not a
simple “mixture” of the properties of its constituent parts, but the
result of the emergence of the whole system.
Tsien’s predecessors made a variety of classifications of
systems from different perspectives. These classifications are
relatively intuitional, but concentrate too much on the specific
connotation of systems, neglecting their essence, which is
essential for the study of systems science. Based on differences
in the scale, complexity level, and degree of openness of system
structures, Tsien put forward a new system classification, which
arranges systems into (1) simple systems, (2) simple giant
systems, (3) open complex giant systems, and (4) open special
complex giant systems (4).
A simple system has a small number of constituent
subsystems, and the interrelationships between its subsystems
are simple; for example, a measuring apparatus is a simple
system. Such systems can be studied by first analyzing
the interaction between subsystems, and then from there
synthesizing the function of the whole system. If the system
has a large number of subsystems (i.e., thousands, millions,
or billions, etc.), and yet the relationships between them are
simple (e.g., laser systems), these can be called simple giant
systems. Statistics has provided practical and effective tools for
the research of such systems. In particular, Prigogine’s theory
of dissipative structure and Haken’s synergetics have furnished
theories and methods for studying both simple systems and
simple giant systems.
If a system has numerous subsystems with hierarchical
structures and complex interrelationships, and these
relationships are complex and open, the system can be called
an open complex giant system. Such systems include organism
systems, human body systems, human brain systems, social
systems, geosystems, and galaxy systems. Systems operating
at an even higher level are composed of subsystems of massive
open complex giant systems; these systems include human
beings and society, the most complex system of all, which is
called an “open special complex giant system.” An open complex
giant system is vast and has a complex structure. Its elements or
subsystems are various and take different forms, having intricate
and changeable relationships. In these systems there are multiple
levels of micro-, macro-, and complex correlations among
the different levels. Their mechanism of function is unclear;
therefore, it is impossible to induce their macroscopic behaviors
from microcosmic descriptions by simple statistical synthesis
methods. In other words, when dealing with open complex giant
systems, especially social systems, existing theories and methods
are not enough, and therefore new methodologies are required.
In Tsien’s opinion, experience has proved that the only available
methodology that can effectively deal with open complex
giant systems (including social systems) is the “qualitative-to-
quantitative metasynthesis” method (5).
 CHAPTER 2: FOUNDATION OF THE THINK TANK 23

2.2. Metasynthesis provides effective tools for the research of complex giant
systems
Combining his theories with the development of modern information technology, Tsien proposed
“qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis” and an interactive system for its practical development, the
“Hall for the Workshop on Metasynthetic Engineering” (HWME). These functions are collectively called
metasynthesis, and the unit that applies these methods is called the Overall Design Department.

Based on his extensive experience guiding China’s
aerospace systems engineering, Tsien established a set of
system engineering management methods and technologies,
incorporating the methodology of “one overall design department
and two command lines” at its core. In general, the concept
involves forming an overall headquarters employing professionals
in all fields for the purpose of applying metasynthesis to the
theory and technology of relevant disciplines; conducting
overall design, coordination, and planning to determine the
system’s structure, environment, and function; and coordinating
and unifying the whole, the parts, and the environment, so as
to provide overall system designs. Then, according to these
established designs, a development system is to be organized for
optimal configuration of resources, so as to produce a reliable,
high-quality engineering system in a short time, at low cost.
Finally, the engineering system and the development system
are to be combined. This is a dynamic process in which the two
lines of command shall be organized so as to form a technical
command chain under the guidance of the Chief Designer and an
administrative command chain under the guidance of the Chief
Commander. The two command chains work together. In this way,
a set of operable and effective methods and applications have
been devised. Experience has proved that this set of methods is
also applicable to social systems (6).
In social systems, to a large extent, the idea of forming an
overall design department is to provide support for solving
decision-making problems. The Overall Design Department
comprises interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary professionals
and senior consultants and leaders with experience in decision-
making support, with overall design being the basic principle.
The department’s purpose is to move a particular system from
an “unsatisfied” state to a “satisfied” state. It provides decision-
making consulting services for the growth and reform of politics,
economy, culture, society, ecology, and humanity, using methods
of qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis and prototype
development, in order to model comprehensive improvement,
while following hierarchical leadership, screening of each step
from start to finish, multiple classifier fusion, simulation exercises,
cyclical iteration, and centralized decision-making (7).
The HWME is an experiential format for practicing
metasynthesis and a cooperative working environment centered
on the discussion (or argumentation) process constituting
qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis (8).
Metasynthesis comprises three processes (9): (1) qualitative
metasynthesis, (2) metasynthesis with qualitative and
quantitative methods involved, and (3) qualitative-to-quantitative
metasynthesis.
1. Qualitative metasynthesis: Its purpose is to propose and
develop empirical hypotheses (such as conjectures, concepts,
countermeasures, plans, etc.) for the system problem studied,
based on existing relevant scientific theories, empirical knowledge,
and data, combined with expert judgments (expert knowledge,
wisdom, and creativity). Such empirical hypotheses are usually
qualitative, and their veracity still needs to be proven by rigorous
scientific methods.
2. Metasynthesis with qualitative and quantitative
methods involved: Its purpose is to carry out system simulations
and experiments supported by data and information systems,
indicator systems, and model systems, and to conduct system
analysis and synthesis by looking at the input and output
relationships between the system environment, structure, and
function, in order to judge the veracity of empirical hypotheses.
3. Qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis: The purpose
of this expert system is to conduct metasynthesis of the results
of the said system simulations and experiments. This is a crucial
step in raising original empirical hypotheses to quantitative
conclusions. The qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis will be
performed until the results are believed to be reliable according
to human–computer interaction, repeated comparison, and
successive approximation.
Open complex giant system problems are usually unstructured
ones. Looking at the above metasynthesis process, we can see
that successive approximation applies metasynthesis by using a
structured sequence to approach unstructured problems.
The essence of metasynthesis is to organically combine
data from experts, information systems, and computers, so as
24 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

to construct a highly intelligent man–machine combination
and integration system. This system has the advantage of
incorporating a synthesis approach, a holistic viewpoint, and the
intelligence and wisdom of many specialists (10). It can integrate
human thoughts, experience, and knowledge with data from many
sources, and upgrade qualitative understanding to quantitative
understanding by examining a problem from multiple different
angles. By utilizing human–machine networking with a human
orientation, this method reaches the highest level of intelligence,
wisdom, and creativity.

2.3. Metasynthesis is used to establish interactive systems

With the continuous development of artificial intelligence (AI), its role in promoting social productivity is
being increasingly strengthened. AI’s tremendous growth seems to be putting us on the path to “replace
people with machines.” However, if we look at the three key elements for the development of AI, namely
terminals (machines), algorithms (rules), and computing power, it is clear that making the best use of
machines relies on the continuous optimization of computing power and algorithms. But no matter how
much an algorithm is improved, it is ultimately the result of human ingenuity. Machines are unable to
imagine or create. Wisdom is the source of creative thinking; the integration of logic and imagination is a
means to creativity. But even with their superb “logical” capabilities, machines cannot truly replace human
imagination and creativity to make “wise” decisions. We can only reach the highest level of human potential
by relying on a human–machine combination, a human–web combination, and a human orientation.

Top Design Unit

Executive
Department

Expert Database Unit

Recommendations for
Decision-making Experimental
Interactive Preliminary Multiple
Decision Conclusion
Unit Judgment Verification Iterations
Department
Raise Questions

Model Unit

Decision and
Support
Department Network and
Information Unit

Big Data and

Intelligence Unit

Machine Platform & Command and Control Platform

FIGURE 1. Flow chart summarizing the application of metasynthesis in the research of decision-support issues.

As pointed out by Professor Huifeng Xue, a representative
of Chinese systems engineering research, the interdependence
and integration of humans, machines, and networks are
constantly increasing with the continuous development of various
technologies. This process has evolved from a “man–machine–
web combination” to a “man–machine–web integration.” In other
words, the linking of man and machine with a human orientation
that was proposed by Tsien has gradually become an integration
of man, machine, and the web, also with a human orientation (11).
The Tsien Think Tank is centered on open complex giant
systems. The process for addressing problems in different fields
is as follows: First, metasynthesis is used to examine relevant
theories, methods, technologies, and current knowledge. Then,
using systematic thought as a guide, man–machine integration
and man–web integration with a human orientation as the
implementation method, and metasynthesis as the foundation,
six units (the Top Design Unit, the Big Data and Intelligence Unit,
the Expert Database Unit, the Network and Information Unit,
the Model Unit, and the Interactive Unit) and two platforms (the
Machine Platform and the Command and Control Platform) are
implemented based on a system combining experts, data, and
knowledge, and a set of plans is established for using the HWME
to solve complex problems (see Figure 1).
The Top Design Unit is the “soul” of the Think Tank. It provides
philosophical and theoretical guidance for the analysis of complex
problems, with systematology as its foundation. It is a repository
of the highest levels of human thought from around the world and
throughout history.
The Big Data and Intelligence Unit serves as “the five sense
organs” of the Think Tank. It provides rapid, up-to-date, precise,
accurate, and complete data for simulation through different
channels and through analysis and processing.
The Network and Information Unit is the “nerve center” of
the Think Tank. It can create a situational awareness system
and realize “space-air-ground integration” by establishing a
cyberspace information superhighway to connect different data
CHAPTER 2: FOUNDATION OF THE THINK TANK 25
sources, thus precisely mapping from the “physical space” of
collaborative analysis to the “data space” of reliable, quantitative
information.
The Model Unit is the Think Tank’s “left brain.” It is patterned
after human logical processes. According to different applications,
this system can provide models for schematic design and
evaluation, and it can perform prediction and evaluation of
application scenarios utilizing simulation technology.
The Expert Database Unit is the Think Tank’s “right brain” and
is modeled on the human imagination. This system comprises
experts from all branches of academia, industry, and government,
and from all geographic regions of China. It offers strong
intelligence support through the integration of many levels of
knowledge.
The Interactive Unit is the “muscle” of the Think Tank. It builds
bridges between the virtual world and the real world, and between
the “decision-demand department” and the “decision-support
department.”
The Overall Design Department, based on six units and two
platforms, uses qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis to
synthesize data and human knowledge and experience, in order
to provide the insights necessary for effective, science-based
decision support.
By means of the HWME, the Think Tank has developed feasible
ways to solve open complex giant systems problems and to bring
Tsien’s concepts of an Overall Design Department and qualitative-
to-quantitative metasynthesis out of the realm of theory to the
level of practical application. The Think Tank and its systematic
principles have played an important role in the proposal for
China’s manned spaceflight program, and in the formulation of
China’s National Civil Space Infrastructure Development Plan (for
space systems, ground systems, and related supporting facilities),
the White Paper on China’s Space Activities (2016), and multiple
Five-Year Plans for the growth of China’s space program, and
have also provided critical decision support for China’s social and
economic development (12).
26 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

“ The metasynthesis method

combines qualitative
research with quantitative
research, scientific theory
with experiential knowledge,
natural sciences with social
sciences, and macro-research
with micro-research. These
characteristics enable this
method to solve complex
problems in open complex

”
giant systems.

—Hsue-Shen Tsien

Lecture hall for the Workshop on Metasynthetic Engineering

CHAPTER 2: FOUNDATION OF THE THINK TANK 27
28 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

2.4. Systems science realizes the unity of philosophy and science

As we have seen in previous sections, Tsien’s accomplishments include realizing the dialectical unity of
reductionism and holism (scientific philosophy), creating the concept of the complex giant system (theory),
and proposing qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis (method), in addition to building a complete
structure of systems science and making pioneering contributions to its development (13).
But how did Tsien arrive at the structure he established for conducting new experiments and obtaining new insights, which
systems science? We can say that he came to it by looking at the lead to new explanations. Basic science is fundamental to the
structure of natural science. Natural science can be understood development of technological science and applied technology,
as having developed gradually throughout history, forming a and is thus an important indicator of a country’s strength in
three-level structure as follows (14): science and technology.
Level I: Basic science. It is defined by man’s search for Level II: Technological science (or the “science of
basic explanations to help him understand the objective world. technology.”). It shares various theories with engineering
Basic science takes shape by examining various phenomena and technology and is an intermediate layer between basic science
from those, extrapolating hypotheses, theories, principles, and and engineering that emerged in the early 20th century
even universal laws in specific subject areas. In basic science, and hit its peak before World War II. Technological science
research focuses on the process of observing the world, with the centers on studying the essence of mechanism, hierarchy,
aim of developing more profound hypotheses and theories by and the relationship of phenomena as well as the extraction of

Other
Scientific Other Basic
Sciences
Categories

Mathematics
Mathematical
Science Catastrophe
Theory

Science of
Understanding
the Subjective and
Objective Word
Physics Other Technological Sciences

Natural
Science
Biology

Operations Research Systems Engineering

Systems
Science Systematology Systematics Cybernetics Automation Technology

Information Theory Communications Technology

Philosophy Basic Science Technological Science Applied Technology

FIGURE 2. The structure of systems science. Figure modified from (14).


principles, rules, and methods that are universally applicable
in engineering technology. Its focus is on how to apply basic
science to engineering accurately and efficiently. Technological
science is the key to harnessing science and technology for social
productivity.
Level III: Applied technology. It refers to the knowledge that
directly reconstructs the objective world. Applied technology
centers on the application of basic science and technological
science in practice as well as the creation of new engineering
technologies and practices, in order to quickly transform science
and technology into a force for social progress. The development
of applied technology will surely enrich and improve technological
science and basic science, and is the driving force behind their
development.
Basing his theories on this three-level structure of natural
science, Tsien believed that systems science also has a three-level
structure (comprising basic science, technological science, and
applied technology). Specifically, at the level of basic science,
the study of systematics and complex giant systems reveals the
objective laws of systems; at the level of technological science,
operations research, cybernetics, information theory, and other
concepts have provided postulates and methods for systems
engineering; and at the level of applied technology, systems
engineering is a “technology” directly used to reconstruct the
objective world. But unlike other applied technologies, it is meant
for an organizational management system that is applicable to all
systems (15).
Remarkable achievements have been made by applying
systems science at the level of applied technology and
technological science. However, at the level of basic science, the
emerging discipline of systematics, first proposed by Tsien, is
still being established. As pointed out by Tsien, we should extract
what is necessary from systems engineering, operations research,
and cybernetics, and assimilate the latest research on general
systems theory, the theory of dissipative structure, synergetics,
hypercycle theory, and other related systems theories in order to
advance the basic theory of systematics. The establishment of
systematics helps to define the concept of systems, and namely,
the system of systems science. The formation of systematology
complements and develops scientific methodology, and is the
CHAPTER 2: FOUNDATION OF THE THINK TANK 29
concrete embodiment of Tsien’s systems science ideas at the
philosophical level.
The structure of systems science can be divided into four
levels: philosophy, basic science, technological science, and
applied technology (see Figure 2).
Summary
The establishment of systematology and the structure of
systems science has transformed systematic thought from a
philosophy into a scientific system. The structure of systems
science is the embodiment of systems science thought at
different levels, ranging from philosophy to engineering,
technology, and natural science. It gives systematic thought a
basis in science, unifying philosophy and science as well as theory
and practice.
References
1. J. Y. Yu, Scientific Decision-Making 12, 1–18 (2017).
2. X. M. Qian, “The View of Open Complex Giant Systems from Qian
Xuesen” in The Research of Qian Xuesen’s Scientific Ideology (Xi’an
Jiaotong University Press, Xi’an, 2010), pp. 195–203.
3. S. J. Huang, Journal of Liaodong University 13, 1–8 (2011).
4. X. S. Qian, Systems Engineering Theory and Practice 1, 1–2 (1995).
5. S. J. Huang, Journal of Liaodong University 12, 1–39 (2010).
6. H. F. Xue, Aerospace Information Integration (Science Decision,
Beijing, 2014).
7. C. B. Wang, Z. S. Liu, “An Overview of the General Design Department”
in The First Exploration of the Ideology of Qian Xuesen’s General
Design Department (China Astronautics Publishing House, Beijing,
2011), p. 56.
8. J. Y. Yu, Journal of Transportation Systems Engineering and
Information 1, 3–10 (2005).
9. J. Y. Yu, Beijing Institute of Information and Control 3, 11, 267–275
(2001).
10. J. Y. Yu, Journal of Xi’an Jiaotong University 6, 40–47 (2006).
11. H. F. Xue, China Aerospace 8, 13–17 (2018).
12. J. Y. Yu, Scientific Decision-Making 12, 1–22 (2014).
13. J. Y. Yu, Journal of Learning Times 6, 1 (2014).
14. X. S. Qian, Systems Engineering Theory and Practice 1, 2–4 (1981).
15. J. Y. Yu, Systems Engineering Theory and Practice 1, 68–74 (1988).
30 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

“ The traditional division of

science and technology
departments has not only
limited our scientific vision
and research scope, but also
caused the separation of
related disciplines, artificially
dividing our knowledge ... into
disconnected parts.

—Hsue-Shen Tsien
”
SECTION | ARTICLE: TOPIC 31
32 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

CHAPTER 3
Rules of the Think Tank: Theoretical
exploration of systems science ideas in
complex giant systems
 CHAPTER 3: RULES OF THE THINK TANK 33

The development of modern

science and technology
shows two obvious trends,
high differentiation and
high integration. On the one
hand, existing disciplines
and fields are becoming
further subdivided, and new
disciplines and fields are
constantly emerging. On
the other hand, different
disciplines are increasingly
intersecting and combining
with each other to move in
the direction of integration
and metasynthesis; these
disciplines are mutually
complementary and promote
each other. Systems science
is developing along the latter
trend; as a cross-disciplinary
field, it plays a critical role
in promoting the integrated
development of modern
science and technology.
34 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

3.1. Exploring the structure of the human knowledge system

Tsien used systems science to explore the structure of the “human knowledge system.” The objective world
is an entity that is interrelated and interactive. Therefore, science and technology (which reflect objective
laws and theories in different fields and at different levels of the objective world) are also interrelated and
interactive. Together, they constitute the human knowledge system (1). Research into different problems
in the objective world represents the “deconstruction” of the knowledge system into different dimensions,
from which the multitudinous disciplines of today are formed.

Natural science is the research of the objective, physical
world from the perspective of matter, energy, and their
interrelationships. Social science is the research of the objective
world from the perspective of human society and its development.
And systems science is the research of the objective world that
examines the interrelationships between the whole and the
parts, between the local and the general, and between different
levels of systems. Systems are the basic objects of research and
application in systems science. Using systems science, problems
in fields like natural science and social science can be connected
and studied in a comprehensive way.
The traditional division of science and technology departments
has not only limited our scientific vision and research scope,
but also caused the separation of related disciplines, artificially
dividing our knowledge—which should be based on the
interrelationships between disciplines—into disconnected parts
(2). However, contemporary science and technology is not only
concerned with isolated structures and phenomena, but also with
their growth, change, and interrelationships with other structures
and phenomena. Today, modern science and technology have
developed into a rigorous, integrated system. For the purpose
of aiding this integration, Tsien proposed his conception of the
structure of modern science and technology (see Figure 3).
Tsien divided the entire human knowledge system into two
categories: “pre-science” and “science” (3). “Pre-science”
represents our intuitive methods for understanding the
world, which can be introduced into science through gradual
observation, analysis, and experimentation. He divided modern
science and technology into 11 different fields: natural science,
social science, mathematical science, systems science, thought
science (epistemology), somatic science (the study of mind–body
interaction), geographical science, military science, behavioral
science, building science (architecture), and aesthetics (art). Each
of these 11 fields can be approached according to the four levels
Tsien used to delineate the structure of systems science, that
is, philosophy, basic science, technological science, and applied
technology (excluding the theory of literature and art).
Modern science and technology constitute a complex dynamic
network system that develops in the process of understanding and
reconstructing the objective world. Concurrent with the changes
taking place in science and society, the structure of this system
is constantly changing as well, and new scientific disciplines will
continue to emerge from it (4).
 CHAPTER 3: RULES OF THE THINK TANK 35

The Science of Understanding

the Subjective and Objective World

Natural
Natural Science
Dialectic
Historical
Social Science
Materialism
Mathematical
Mathematical Science
Philosophy

Systema-
Systems Science
tology
Quantitative
Intelligence
Epistemology Thought Science
Intuitive
Anthropic Experience
Somatic Science and
Principle
Philosophical
Geographic Thinking
Geographical Science
Philosophy
Military
Military Science
Philosophy

Humanology Behavorial Science

Architectural
Building Science
Philosophy
Literary Artistic
Aesthetics
Qualitative Theory Creation
Intelligence
Literary and Artistic Activity

Basic Technological Applied

Philosophy Pre-science
Science Science Technology

FIGURE 3. Tsien’s conception of the structure of modern science and technology. Xuesen Qian (unpublished).
36 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

3.2. Exploring the scientific theory of the human body system

The exploration of the mysteries of the human mind has been something that China has pursued for a long
time; we believe it is a significant area of research that can contribute greatly to human progress. In order to
improve human health and maximize our physical and mental capacities, we need somatic science. And in
order to fully develop human intelligence and morality, and to meet the needs of the times, we need thought
science (epistemology). The two sciences are interconnected but different. Thought science focuses on
researching our conscious thoughts, namely, thoughts that are under our control. Our subconscious mind
is not within the research scope of thought science, but is a central focus of somatic science (5). It is also
important to note that the human body is an open complex giant system, therefore systems thought is
indispensable for somatic science research, which touches on the mind–body system.

We can learn about the objective world through studying the
interaction between humans and that world. The human body
exchanges material, energy, and information with its surrounding
environment; it absorbs ordered energy from the environment
and discharges disordered energy into the environment, produced
by systems involved in metabolic processes. When the ordered
energy in living systems reaches a critical level, those systems
will spontaneously change into an ordered state in respect
to their time, space, and function to generate a new, ordered
structure. This process is known as the self-organization of life
(6). In order to explain the self-organization of life, we need to use
metasynthesis to integrate multiple disciplines. Metasynthesis
must include the achievements made in basic sciences (such as
anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, and so on), natural
sciences (such as genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, organic
chemistry, and so on), and medical sciences (such as pathology,
pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, parasitology, and so on)
as well as applied technology developed in various preventive
medicine disciplines. This fusion of knowledge will lead to a new
breakthrough in human self-understanding.
Thought science aims to study the principles and forms of
intellectual processes, for the purpose of developing the brain’s
potential, adding to mankind’s capacity for wisdom and right
moral actions, and helping us to address the major issues facing
humanity today. Thought science distinguishes three kind of
thought processes: logical, imaginative, and innovative. No
brain activity is the result of just one kind of thought process,
but usually the fusion of two or even three processes. The
establishment and development of thought science involves a
wide range of science and technology, in fact requiring knowledge
from every discipline along with extensive practical experience;
in other words, it aims to be a repository of all human wisdom.
This comprehensive body of knowledge is combined with modern
information technology and networks to form a man–machine
integrated system, which quickly and effectively pools data from
both ancient and modern sources worldwide to scientifically
and creatively solve various complexity problems—this is the
essence of metasynthesis. Its ultimate goal is the development of
character; it aims to cultivate intelligence, wisdom, and innovation,
so that complex and unpredictable situations can be handled
quickly, efficiently, rationally, and creatively (7).
 CHAPTER 3: RULES OF THE THINK TANK 37

3.3. Exploring the development rules of social systems

Society is an open complex giant system, having multilevel, multiregional, and multistage characteristics.
A social system is composed of humans, who are also complex systems. Humans have complex and
diverse thoughts, behaviors, and values; many of their thoughts and behaviors are random and uncertain.
In addition, humans form a variety of organizational structures. There are also intricate interrelationships
occurring between humans, between humans and organizations, between organizations, between humans
and nature, and between organizations and nature; which means that social systems are special open
complex giant systems, namely, the most complex systems studied so far (8).

According to Tsien, social systems include economic social
systems, political social systems, and cultural social systems.
These three systems are interconnected, mutually restrictive,
and interactive, thus comprising the organic whole of society (9).
The three social systems develop in tandem with geographical
systems, and along with science and technology, have provided
the driving force for the rapid, sustainable, and stable growth of
society.
As Tsien said, “Science is the knowledge of understanding the
objective world and technology is the knowledge of reconstructing
the objective world.” We can say that society moves forward in a
circular, feedback cycle of four revolutions: (1) Advancements in
understanding the objective world spur a scientific revolution,
while (2) advancements in reconstructing the objective world
give birth to a technological revolution. Because of these two
revolutions, productivity is increased, which brings about (3)
yet another technological revolution, characterized by further
strides in production and economic structure, which in turn
leads to changes in the societal superstructure (defined as law,
politics, art, culture, religion, etc.), thus bringing about (4) a social
revolution (10).
Developing this idea further, Tsien proposed the concept of the
“seven industrial revolutions,” five of which have happened already
(one partially) and two of which are still to happen.
The first four industrial revolutions: After the first industrial
revolution, the primary industry represented by increased
agricultural output and improved animal husbandry appeared;
after the second industrial revolution, the exchange of goods
appeared; after the third industrial revolution, the secondary
industry represented by industrial manufacturing and the textile
industry appeared; and after the fourth industrial revolution, the
international market and the tertiary industry represented by
banks, finance, and trade were formed (11).
The fifth industrial revolution: It began after World War II
and has not ended yet. It is an information technology revolution
influenced by the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics
as well as many new advanced technologies (nuclear, laser,
aerospace, bioengineering, etc.). During this revolution, the fourth
industry (including information technology, consulting, and all
related industries) came into being. Based on this fifth revolution,
Tsien projected the coming of the sixth and seventh industrial
revolutions (12).
The sixth industrial revolution: It will begin in the 21st
century and is marked by the rapid development of bioscience
and bioengineering technology achievements, for example,
the harnessing of microorganisms for many purposes: food
production and wastewater treatment, the creation of biofuels
and many chemicals and enzymes, treating diseases, fighting
pollution, and much more. This revolution will harness sunlight
as a major source of energy and will see the development of a
production system that integrates biology and environmental
science and affects many areas, including agriculture, forestry,
fishery, oceanography, and biomedicine. The primary industry
for food production, traditional extensive-farming agriculture,
will gradually be replaced by “secondary,” knowledge-intensive
industries, as different forms of technology are increasingly being
used in agriculture. The boundaries between different industries
will become less obvious. And the differences between urban and
rural areas will gradually disappear, as economic development and
lifestyle changes bring greater opportunities (13).
The seventh industrial revolution: It will begin in the second
half of the 21st century. In this revolution, somatic science
(including medical science and bioscience) will dominate, driving
the rapid development of many new disciplines and multiple
technologies. By that time, the physical and mental capabilities
of human beings will have greatly improved, and advanced
science and technology will cause a revolution in organizational
management, creating a new era of global cooperation and
harmony for mankind (14).
38 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Table: The First to the Seventh Industrial Revolution—Development Sequence Diagram
Revolution in science and
Sequence
technology
Man’s discovery and first use of fire
First during the Stone Age
(ca. 1.5 million BCE–230,000 BCE).
The Bronze Age (3000 BCE–1200
BCE) followed by the Iron Age and the
Second
discovery and use of iron
(ca. 1200 BCE–200 BCE).
The technological revolution that
be-gan in England, lasting from the
sec-ond half of the 18th century to
Third
the beginning of the 19th century (ca.
1760–1840) and marked by increased
use of steam and water power.
The revolution in physics, the
development of electromagnetic
Fourth theory, and the invention of the
electric motor, (late 19th century to
early 20th century).
The revolution in information
technology (IT) that began after
World War II and was accelerated
Fifth
by developments such as relativity
theory and quantum mechanics and
driven by many new technologies.
Characterized by the rapid
development of bioscience and
biotechnology, the harnessing of
Sixth microorganisms for industrial and
commercial use, breakthroughs
in genetic engineering, and other
scientific achievements.
In the late 21st century, various
technologies and disciplines that are
Seventh led by somatic science (including
medical and life sciences, etc.) will
rapidly develop.
Growth in production and economic
Reform of the social system
structure
Humans progressed from hunting and
gathering wild fruits, nuts, and seeds Transformation of primitive society
for survival to engaging in agriculture, into a slave society.
animal husbandry, and fishery.
Agriculture, forestry, animal
husbandry, handicrafts, mining
and metallurgy industries were Transformation of the slave society
developed; these products produced into a feudal society.
surplus wealth; and the exchange of
commodities emerged.
The machine-based modern
industry emerged, including machine The transformation of the feudal
manufacturing, the textile industry, society into a capitalist society.
the construction industry, etc.
The development of
automobile manufacturing, the
Capitalism developed from a
telecommunications industry;
system based on free competition
improvements in navigation and
to monopoly capitalism.
transportation, international trade,
etc.
Transformation of society into
With the rapid growth of science and
consortiums of countries with
technology and the consulting and IT
different political systems and
industries, an integrated production
differing economic situations,
system emerged, and the differences
which are dominated by different
between physical and mental labor
ideologies that break regional
have gradually narrowed.
boundaries.
In this period, a production system
integrating biotechnology, biomedical,
agricultural, forestry, livestock,
poultry, fishery, ocean, and other
Transformation of society into a
industries powered by sunlight and
more homogenous social form.
other “clean” energy has taken shape.
The economic differences between
urban and rural areas have gradually
disappeared.
In this period, great improvements in
human physical and mental abilities
will lead to an organization and Beginning of a new era for
management revolution as well as a humanity, marked by unity and
new industrial revolution. There will harmony.
be no obvious boundaries between
industry and agriculture.

Tsien believed that the new round of approaching industrial
revolutions would be built on the development and application of
systematology, thus greatly increasing man’s ability to reconstruct
the objective world. Starting with the fifth industrial revolution,
the two trends of high differentiation and high integration in
science and technology, especially the emergence of complexity
science and interdisciplinary collaboration, have promoted the
development of systems science (15). According to Tsien, the main
characteristics of the sixth industrial revolution will be synthesis
and a systematic approach, combined with complexity; systems
science will play a critical role in this revolution. The development
of systems science will promote the continuous, deepening
development of the fifth, sixth, and seventh industrial revolutions,
changing the entire structure of human society (16).
Summary
Under the guidance of systems science and metasynthesis,
and with a strategic vision surpassing that of his predecessors,
Tsien explored the basic characteristics and general rules of
knowledge systems, human body systems, and social systems,
formulating new concepts for establishing scientific systems in
various disciplines, new methods for the integrated development
of modern science and technology, and new theories to help
society solve the problems of open complex giant systems (17).
CHAPTER 3: RULES OF THE THINK TANK 39
References
1. X. S. Qian, Nature Magazine 1, 3–8 (1991).
2. X. S. Qian, Statistics 12, 4–5 (1987).
3. X. S. Qian, X. Chen, Medicine and Philosophy Magazine 10, 56 (1989).
4. X. S. Qian, Journal of Shanghai University of Technology 33, 6, 542
(2011).
5. X. S. Qian, Friends of Creation 3, 20–22 (1984).
6. J. Y. Yu, Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University 3, 26–33 (2005).
7. J. Y. Yu, Y. Liu, Scientific Research 5, 449–453 (2002).
8. J. Y. Yu, Journal for Party and Administrative Cadres 11, 3–8 (2011).
9. J. Y. Yu, China Society of Systems Engineering 1, 1-8 (1994).
10. J. Y. Yu, Journal of Shanghai University of Technology 33, 548–561
(2011).
11. J. Y. Yu, Systems Engineering Theory and Practice 5, 8–12 (1992).
12. H. F. Xue, J. Yang, Qian Xuesen, China Aerospace 3, 38–42 (2018).
13. H. F. Xue, Complexity Theory and Application in Urban Systems
Engineering (Northwest Polytechnical University Press, Xi’an, 2007),
pp. 27–34.
14. M. S. Yu, Medicine and Philosophy 34, 1–5 (2013).
15. Q. Wang, “Research on Qian Xuesen’s Strategic Thoughts on Science
and Technology,” Master’s thesis, Kunming University of Science and
Technology (2014).
16. J. Xie, “The Philosophical Value of Qian Xuesen’s Letters,” Master’s
thesis, Guangxi Normal University (2010).
17. J. Q. Wu, “Qian Xuesen’s Research on Engineering Management
Thought,” Master’s thesis, Zhejiang Gongshang University (2007).
40 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

CHAPTER 4
Merits of the Think Tank: Engineering
practice of systems science ideas in
complex giant systems
 CHAPTER 4: MERITS OF THE THINK TANK 41

From the perspective of systems, any practice is

part of a concrete system; it was Tsien who said, “Any
kind of social activity may form a system; thus, the
establishment and effective operation of that system will
[constitute a] form of systems engineering” (1). Tsien
devised social systems engineering based on his work
in systematizing the operation of China’s aerospace
industry (2). Compared with project systems engineering,
social systems engineering is more about the solving
of decision-making problems, and its core involves
establishing an Overall Design Department (3), creating
the HWME (4), and bringing open complex giant systems
from an “unsatisfied state” to a “satisfied state.” This
process represents a significant transformation in the
methodology that can be applied to understanding and
reshaping society.
In the 1980s and 1990s, with the efforts of Tsien and
others, these concepts and methods were applied to wider
and more complex social systems. Tsien persistently
suggested many times that the Chinese government
should construct an “Overall Design Department” for
national economic and social development, and he never
let up on this idea, mentioning it a few days before
he died. One of his biggest regrets was that such a
department had not been established in the 20th century
and might only be realized in the 21st century.
Now that we have reached the 21st century, systems
science has become a much more reasonable and
effective discipline, and is increasingly playing a critical
role in a wide range of scientific discoveries, technological
innovations, and engineering projects (5).
At present, with the unremitting efforts of Huifeng
Xue and others, through the work of the Tsien Think Tank,
practices forecasting and leading China’s industries have
been actively promoted based on Tsien’s inference of
three industrial revolutions in the 21st century: the fifth
industrial revolution with its cascade of technological
innovations and the potential for a “Satellite
Metasynthesized Network” linking ground, air, and space
(see Section 4.1); the sixth industrial revolution with
its core of knowledge-intensive, large-scale agriculture
and the hope for a breakthrough in “space farming”; and
the seventh industrial revolution, characterized by the
possibility of a large-scale transformation of health care
through the “self-healing” of the human body, enabled
by the education of metasynthetic wisdom, which will
drive the creation of destructive technology and reshape
industry, providing inexhaustible power for economic
growth, social transformation, and human progress.
42 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

4.1. The Tsien Think Tank drives the fifth industrial revolution
The fifth industrial revolution, which began at the end of World War II and continues today, is (as mentioned
previously) an information technology revolution modeled on the theories of relativity, quantum
mechanics, and other breakthroughs in scientific thought, which has generated many new technologies
(nuclear, laser, aerospace, biological engineering, etc.) (6). The Tsien Think Tank, based on Tsien’s systems
engineering methods, using man–machine integration, man–web integration, and human orientation as
the implementation model, and “six units and two platforms” (see Figure 1, page 24) as its core interactive
system, has played an important role in national economic management and technological innovation in
China’s new era (7).

The following are three examples of the Think Tank’s role in the
application of metasynthetic principles:
I. The Satellite Metasynthesized Network
It is clear to see that mankind is embracing the transformation
from a geocentric (Earth-centered) view to that of an “interstellar
society,” where people can live and work in space. In order to keep
up with the inevitable trend toward increased space exploration,
it is a must to create a ubiquitous network connecting earth and
space. Specifically, our goal is to build a cyberspace network that
will integrate ground, air, and space systems; communication,
navigation, and remote- sensing systems; and civil, military, and
commercial engineering programs. Huifeng Xue first proposed the
development of the “Satellite Metasynthesized Network” (8).
This concept aims to eliminate the three predicaments of
network space at present: (1) The current “Space–Air–Ground”
Network System operates independently; there is no integration
design for intersatellite, satellite–ground, and ground-
transmission protocols; and system reliability and operations
and maintenance efficiency are not at desirable levels. (2) The
“Communication–Navigation–Remote Sensing” Satellite System
is independent; its functions are one-dimensional, its structure
is divided, and its operation relies solely on ground systems;
the existing satellite systems that are isolated from each other
have limited coverage; system coordination is impossible; and
the capacity for integrated sharing and distribution of space
information resources is insufficient. (3) The “Military–Civil–
Commercial” constellation of resources is independent, which
is not conducive to unified management, efficient sharing, and
comprehensive utilization of basic space resources.
The Satellite Metasynthesized Network is an autonomic,
controllable information network system, with a space-based
network as its core. Its main features are the integration of space-
based, air-based, and ground-based networks; the ubiquitous
interconnection of intersatellite, satellite–ground, and ground
transmission protocols; and multidimensional, global coverage of
space, air, and ground systems. Its goal is to synthesize space–
air–ground systems, communication–navigation–remote-sensing
systems, and military–civil–commercial functions, and finally to
create a global community of cyberspace with a shared future of
“co-construction, sharing, co-management and co-governance”
(9).
Specifically, the Satellite Metasynthesized Network aims to
achieve three primary objectives:
1. To construct a global governance framework for cyberspace.
At present, in the field of cyberspace, especially in space
networks, there is a lack of credible global leaders; no
centralized management system and mechanism have
been established; and international rules are decentralized.
To coordinate global space, air, and ground networks, all
countries should work together with enthusiasm and optimism
to establish a governance framework, promoting network
development at the international level (e.g., under the United
Nations framework). They should merge all levels of space–
air–ground network resources to achieve integrated treatment
and maximum utilization of complex time–space networks;
bring together a multitude of military–civil–commercial
resources to realize unified, efficient management of space
resources; and consolidate communication–navigation–
remote sensing constellation resources to develop efficient,
integrated satellite service capability. All these goals will
be accomplished through successful scientific planning of
networks, well-designed construction of facilities, effective
allocation of resources, and fair utilization of information, thus
building the management and control foundation for a global
cyberspace community with a shared future (10).
2. To conclude an interconnected network agreement.
Different networks have different physical communication

environments. The network protocol system for space–
ground integration information networks mainly includes
the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/
IP) generally used for ground networks and Consultative
Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and delay-
tolerant networking (DTN) protocols used for space
networks (11). However, the TCP/IP protocol is not suitable
for space-link characteristics and has the problems of high
latency (long delays), intermittent connection, and high
bit error rates. CCSDS cannot interoperate directly with
ground networks and involves protocol conversion, limiting
the application of the existing protocols in the deep-space
communication environment. DTN is still in the research
phase and has no specific routing algorithm. Therefore,
it is necessary to construct a space–ground integration
network protocol system to address many special challenges,
including asymmetric links, dynamic topological relations,
a heterogeneous network environment, highly restricted
intersatellite resources, and poor security (12).
3. To build a resource sharing platform. Facing the demand
for applications in many fields, the Satellite Metasynthesized
Network hopes to build a decision command platform for
space–air–ground–sea integration. The platform will be
extremely useful for social governance; one of its main
purposes is to coordinate monitoring and management of
conditions of urban residents; management of government
affairs, traffic, environmental affairs, energy, water resources,
and other resources; and especially all aspects of emergency
management systems, including forecasting and early
warning, prevention and control, monitoring, command and
dispatch, and simulation drills—thus ensuring rapid and
effective responses to emergencies (13).
II. Technological innovation in open complex giant
systems
The “National Innovation System” is an open complex giant
system that includes the three pillars of scientific innovation,
technological innovation, and engineering innovation—with
metasynthesis innovation being a result of the combination of
these three. From the perspective of China’s reform and opening
up (from 1978 to the present), it is technological innovation
that has played the most critical role and directly promoted the
enormous strides in the recent development of China’s economy.
According to Jiasu Lei of Tsinghua University, a key member
of the Tsien Think Tank, in the 40-year period from 1978 to 2018,
CHAPTER 4: MERITS OF THE THINK TANK 43
China’s technological innovation has passed through four stages,
each lasting about 10 years (14).
The period from 1978 to 1988 was a “learning, introduction,
and reinforcement” period. During this time, the three main
characteristics of domestic technological innovation were as
follows: (1) Studying foreign business concepts. Government
leaders at all levels, heads of enterprises, and scientific and
technological personnel went abroad to investigate business
practices. (2) Bringing in foreign technologies. In this period,
Chinese domestic governments and enterprises used the
concepts learned from foreign market economies to meet the
extreme demand of Chinese businesses for introducing advanced
foreign technologies. (3) Increasing production of domestic
goods. Overseas-funded companies discovered China’s fast-
growing market and actively cooperated with Chinese enterprises
to set up joint ventures or factories in China, actively producing
domestically produced new products suitable for China.
The period from 1988 to 1998 was an “introduction, imitation,
and improvement” period, characterized by the production of
new products through continuous introduction, imitation, and
improvement, and the repeated promotion of foreign technologies
after “Chinization.” More precisely, we are not speaking simply of
imitation, but of the research and development of better products
through the improvement of foreign technologies introduced on
the basis of imitation. In particular, the policy of “using market
share to exchange technology” implemented in this period had
accelerated the introduction of technologies and deepened
imitation and improvement.
The period from 1998 to 2008 was an “integration, promotion,
and innovation” period, which involved integrating domestic
and foreign technologies to promote “independently integrated
innovation” based on improving the application of typical foreign
innovations in China. In this period, innovation was practiced as
follows: (1) Three forms of innovation were actively promoted,
namely, original innovation, integrated innovation, and absorptive
innovation. (2) Considering that China still lagged behind in
fundamental research, independently integrated innovation based
on foreign technology was the main form of modernization, and
technology integration was adopted to promote innovation in
relevant applications, for example, mobile phones, computers,
stored program control (SPC) exchange, automobiles, high-power
generators, high-speed trains, and related large electromechanical
systems.
The period from 2008 to 2018 was an “innovation, iteration,
and promotion” period, in which more extensive independent
research and development was carried out, and high-level foreign
44 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

“ Systems science is a
scientific revolution in the
middle of the 20th century,
and the practice of systems
engineering will bring about
a technological revolution.
The scientific revolution
and technological revolution
will certainly arouse
organizational management
revolutions in the 21st
century.

” —Hsue-Shen Tsien
CHAPTER 4: MERITS OF THE THINK TANK 45
46 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING
innovations were studied in order to rapidly refine and encourage
the independently innovative results achieved in the previous
period. The primary innovation practices during this period
were as follows: (1) Enterprises and industries accelerated the
refinement and promotion of previous independent innovations
(especially independent integrated innovations) based on
extensive independent research and development, through
studying advanced foreign innovations. (2) Researchers were
increasingly active in developing innovations based on China’s
Internet Plus initiative, artificial intelligence, green technology,
new materials, and new energy. (3) Fintech (financial technology)
innovation became particularly prominent. During this period,
the number of domestic invention patent applications and
authorizations increased dramatically, and the number of annual
invention patents granted also increased.
A typical case of innovation involved high-speed trains. In
2004, foreign high-speed train technology was brought into China,
and in 2007—after three years of “independent innovation based
on technology integration”—high-speed trains were put into
operation. In that year, three scientific research projects related to
high-speed trains (namely, rail safety research, high-performance
bearing research, and basic mechanics research) were funded
through the National Basic Research Program (973 Program),
which played an important role in the development of high-
speed train technology. In 2008, the National Natural Science
Foundation of China (NSFC) began to significantly fund research
on high-speed trains, aiming to overcome technical bottlenecks
in the industry. In 2010, the number of NSFC-funded research
programs focused on high-speed trains reached 26; these
programs were critical in accelerating the refinement of previous
innovations in the sector.
It can be said that the 40-year history of China’s technological
innovation is a history of achieving “system emergence” through
the process of metasynthesis. In the last 20 years, China has seen
major developments in many important technologies because
of metasynthesis. At present, the main driver of China’s key
technologies is integration. Technologies that are not integrated
can neither flourish nor have disruptive impacts. Currently, many
technologies are becoming intertwined in more and more fields,
and many disciplines are intersecting. This trend indicates that
technological innovation through metasynthesis will become
more common; this kind of innovation is conducive to the rapid
refinement of technology and the accelerated growth of industry.
III. Decision-support function of the Social and
Economic System Dynamic Simulation Model
The Social and Economic System Dynamic Simulation Model
(SED Model) is another typical application of metasynthesis
for assisting economic decision-making. With the SED Model,
modern economic theories are combined with the tremendous
computing power of supercomputers to establish a virtual
socioeconomic system that resembles a modern commodity-
based economy. The system can provide economic decision-
making support for governments, enterprises, and citizens, by
simulating the operation of a real economy, and analyze factors
including government policy, industry, enterprise, product, price,
profit, national income, and resident employment rate as well as
changes in daily logistics, capital flow, and personnel flow related
to every economic object. The SED Model adopts computer
simulation technology and is an economic model integrating
microeconomics and macroeconomics. The accuracy of main
indicators in the simulation process of the model exceeds 95%.
In the consulting research project for the development of the
13th Five-Year Plan proposed by the National Development and
Reform Commission of China, the Tsien Think Tank was the leading
organization. The Think Tank combined economics experts,
systems engineering experts, government officials, entrepreneurs
and multispecialty, multifield, multidepartment personnel to
gather China’s collective wisdom, and it successfully used the SED
Model to analyze the influences of the central government and
some local governments on China’s gross domestic product (GDP)
(15). In addition, it provided specific policy recommendations for
“adjusting the proportion of fiscal expenditure and increasing
the subsidies for science and technology investment and
[advanced] and new products without increasing [total] fiscal
expenditure”—recommendations that have effectively supported
top-level planning for China’s strategic emerging industries. Due
to the quality of the research, this model had been designated
by the National Development and Reform Commission as a
long-term model for a major Chinese scientific research project,
the Cultivation and Development Plan for Strategic Emerging
Industries.
 CHAPTER 4: MERITS OF THE THINK TANK 47

Professor Huifeng Xue delivers a speech on

the Satellite Metasynthesized Network.
48 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

4.2. The Tsien Think Tank boosts the sixth industrial revolution
According to Tsien, the sixth industrial revolution will involve breaking with traditional extensive farming
methods; researching and innovating various advanced technologies and making full use of solar energy;
and gradually establishing knowledge-intensive agricultural industries, while continuing to improve forestry,
fishery, the grassland industry, and the sand-extraction industry (16). Focusing on knowledge-intensive,
large-scale agriculture and hoping to be the catalyst for the “space-farming revolution,” the Tsien Think Tank
is exploring powerful technical means for solving some of the major problems facing mankind today, in
areas such as food production, health care, energy, natural resources, and the environment (17).

Since 1987, China has conducted more than 20 space carrying
tests on more than 100 kinds of crops and thousands of varieties,
using recoverable satellites. As a result, significant progress has
been made in research on key space-breeding technologies, and
a series of new crop varieties, new strains, and new germplasms
that are high yield, high quality, and multiresistant to disease
have been cultivated by mutagenesis of rice, wheat, corn, cotton,
and other crops. More than 30 new varieties or combinations of
crops have received national or provincial approval. The objective
of China’s space-breeding program is to cultivate a number of
major new high-yield, high-quality crop varieties, so that the yield
per unit of mainly planted varieties can increase by about 10%;
specifically, if the annual harvest area is 2 million hectares–
3.3 million hectares, the increase in crop yield would be
1 billion kg–1.5 billion kg. If this goal is reached, it will not only
provide a steady driving force for industry-driven poverty
alleviation, but also create a brighter future for Chinese
agriculture.
Under the leadership of the Tsien Think Tank, through original
innovation and scientific accumulation in research on space-
farming methods, many new cutting-edge agricultural crops
and space-farming technologies have been developed with
independent intellectual property rights, and a groundbreaking
method utilizing “seed selection, space mutation, and ground
fertilization” has gradually been devised.

Knowledge-intensive agricultural methods are producing very high yields in China, despite a changing climate and extreme weather events.

4.3. The Tsien Think Tank accelerates the seventh industrial revolution
In the 2050s, there will be a seventh industrial revolution in the optimization of human physical fitness
caused by the expansive medical reform in China, leading to a revolution in economic productivity. Based on
somatic science (including medical science, bioscience, etc.), major improvements can be made in human
physique, function, and intelligence.
The improvement of human physique and function will be
mainly reflected in the increased ability to regulate the body’s
functional states.
Systematics research has proved that open complex giant
systems may have multiple, relatively stable functional states and
can promote the change of the system function state through
external actions. The human body system differs from general
systems. The thinking activities of the human brain can influence
the nervous system to make slight adjustments to the human
body, which is a highly complex giant system, or even cause it to
enter into another functional state from its current state via the
function of consciousness. In other words, the human body, as
an open complex giant system, has the basic function of self-
organization and self-adaptive regulation required for maintaining
itself in a steady state under certain conditions; it can also recover
from a “sick” state to a healthy functional state, or even adjust to
an optimal functional state.
It has been stated that “since humans are open complex
giant systems, we should apply ‘qualitative-to-quantitative
metasynthesis’ to study human body science. This is a basic
standpoint and methodology.” Specifically, systematology is
required to integrate and apply knowledge and experience in fields
like traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, folk medicine,
and psychological therapy, and to synthesize fragmentary,
qualitative, and incomplete studies so as to form mathematical
models. It is also necessary to include the boundary conditions
necessary for quantitative calculation, so as to draw the correct
conclusions. Yuan Chang and other leaders in the Chinese school
of systems engineering have long been engaged in somatic
science research related to laws, policies, and social issues using
this theory.
Mengsun Yu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of
Engineering, used systematics theory to discover the laws of
altitude stress, and the methodology of the HWME to classify and
analyze the health problems of people living on plateaus. He also
established a systems model showing the adaptation process of
human bodies to plateau environments. Based on this process,
many parameters of the human body in adapting to low-oxygen
CHAPTER 4: MERITS OF THE THINK TANK 49
plateau environments have been discovered, and the optimal
means of adaptation have been preliminarily explored (18). As
further proved by the breakthrough in plateau health problems,
Tsien’s systems science methodology is very effective in solving
problems in an open complex giant system such as the human
body. In respect to the improvement of human intelligence and
morality, Tsien proposed “the education of metasynthetic wisdom”
with a focus on “integration and wisdom” (19).
In July 2005, Tsien visited Jiabao Wen, who was the Premier
of the Chinese State Council at that time, and said to him, “China
has not fully developed, and one important reason is that there
is no university that can educate talent by following the mode of
training them for scientific and technological innovation. The lack
of these features and no major increase in outstanding talent is a
serious problem.” Only a few years later, Tsien died, but the issues
he raised have continued to sound a warning to Chinese society.
By using Tsien’s educational ideas and applying them to
China’s current situation, Huifeng Xue formulated three steps
with which to address Tsien’s concerns: “starting from the ‘age
of zero,’ introducing ‘man–machine integration,’ and shortening
the period of schooling.” These three concepts are the foundation
for dispelling the inertia that prevents Chinese education from
moving forward, and for promoting the acquisition of innovative
talent (20).
I. “Starting from the ‘age of zero’”: Create the
“innovation gene”
The training of outstanding, innovative talent should begin in the
womb. Its purpose is to achieve the goals of being well educated
and of making valuable contributions to civilization, through
obtaining the best education at an early age, which will facilitate
social interaction and full personality development. In the
gestation period, prenatal education can have a decisive effect on
brain size and intelligence level. From infancy to age 3, children
are developing their capacity to perceive the outside world. From
the ages of 4 to 11, they are learning to understand the world, and
building skills that will determine if a scientific way of thinking can
be formed. From the ages of 12 to 17, through the absorption of a
50 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING
large amount of knowledge and training in various skills, people
will grow into individuals who can live independently and acquire
the ability to impact the world.
II. “Man–machine integration”: Break the
constraints of outmoded educational methods
The current educational system is marked by a tendency toward
rote mechanical learning and regurgitation of facts, which
occupies a young person’s most important growth period. With
vast improvements in science and technology, however, especially
in information technology and network technology, the need for
this kind of learning is decreasing. The nature of human labor has
changed greatly as the synergy between humans and computers
has increased. The mode of “man–machine integration” can
already liberate us from manual data storage and calculation, and
Opening ceremony of Chinese schools that are incorporating Tsien’s educational concept of metasynthetic wisdom.
therefore we can focus on the development of creative thinking.
Following Tsien’s concept of “man–machine integration, man–web
integration, and human orientation,” the emergence of creative
and leading talent can be achieved—this emergence cannot rely
solely on training but must also depend on spontaneity.
III. “Shortening the period of schooling”: Make
conspicuous emergence of talent possible
As mentioned, the period of schooling for young people can
be greatly shortened by liberating them from rote educational
methods via “man–machine integration,” so that top experts can
develop earlier and faster. According to Tsien, children should
enter school earlier and even finish higher education before the
age of 17. These ideas are based on the latest findings in brain
science, psychology, and cognitive science. Tsien’s proposal is a

bold innovation; if it can be realized, the training and growth of
outstanding talent will be greatly accelerated.
It can be said that the purpose of education in the 21st century
is to train a “new type of human being” with the “integrated
development of morality, intelligence, physique, aesthetics,
innovation, science, engineering, literature, art and philosophy;
human–computer fusion; and human–network fusion” (21).
These talents shall be trained according to a “three-level” model of
human thought structure:
(1) The knowledge level. It is the most important basic level
of human thought structure, and comprises various scientific
and technical knowledge, experience, feelings, and other
elements. These elements are integrated with the man–machine
combination information network. They stimulate and interact
with each other, becoming the foundation of intellectual activity
and development as well as the soil for cultivating metasynthetic
wisdom. (2) The emotional level. It plays an indispensable role in
motivating and regulating human thought, and includes human
values, psychological needs, consciousness, spirit, morality, will,
and other elements. This level is the foundation of culture and the
soul of metasynthetic wisdom. (3) The intelligence level. It is based
on the integration of the knowledge and emotion levels. This level
encompasses high-level thought, including the materialistic and
dialectical outlook on the world as well as different methodologies
and ways of thinking, such as the systems view of the structure
of modern science and technology, and the systems view of open
complex giant systems. These and other basic elements integrate
with one another to form an organic whole. This level is the most
profound, complex, and philosophical of the human thought
structure.
As the education system is an open complex giant system,
reasonable scientific methodologies are required for the training
of innovative talents. In other words, systems thinking, theories,
and methods are required to create educational concepts, refine
teaching methods, reform educational systems, and develop an
education system based completely on metasynthetic wisdom, in
order to systematically improve human intelligence and morality.
In recent years, the Tsien Think Tank has actively practiced
Tsien’s educational concept of metasynthetic wisdom. In the
process, by focusing on breaking disciplinary boundaries and
realizing interdisciplinary integration in educational reform, it
has constructed “Tsien colleges,” “Tsien schools,” and “Tsien
classes” relying on famous Chinese universities and primary
and secondary schools, and has actively explored the training of
outstanding innovative talents.
CHAPTER 4: MERITS OF THE THINK TANK 51
Summary
The complex giant system theory, systems engineering, the
Overall Design Department, and the HWME are closely integrated,
forming the methodology for researching and solving complex
social problems on a scientific, technological, and practical
level. The Tsien Think Tank provides scientific organizational
management methods and technologies for the governance
of modern societies and nations. As a result, policy decision-
making in the organizations, institutes, and enterprises that are
the backbone of Chinese society has become more scientific,
efficient, and collaborative. Furthermore, the Think Tank has
served to promote industrial development, as systems thought is
used to advance research, development, and planning, and to help
industry solve the problems of open complex giant systems.
References
1. J. Y. Yu, Scientific Decision Making 2, 29–33 (1998).
2. X. S. Qian, J. P. Wu, Journal of Economic Management 1, 5–9 (1979).
3. J. Y. Yu, X. J. Zhou, Complex Systems and Complexity Science 1, 20–26
(2004).
4. J. Y. Yu, X. J. Zhou, Systems Engineering Theory and Practice 10, 26–32
(2002).
5. J. Y. Yu, Journal of Spacecraft Engineering 20, 1–11 (2011).
6. J. Y. Yu, Journal of Xi’an Jiaotong University 35, 69–72 (2015).
7. H. F. Xu, S. G. Gu, Q. Shi, J. Q. Liu, Journal of Xinjiang University 35,
258–263 (2018).
8. H. F. Xue, Civil-Military Integration on Cyberspace 9, 17–19 (2018).
9. H. F. Xue, Civil-Military Integration on Cyberspace 1, 26–29 (2018).
10. H. F. Xue, Civil-Military Integration on Cyberspace 9, 3 (2018).
11. H. F. Xue, Civil-Military Integration on Cyberspace 7, 18–19 (2017).
12. H. F. Xue, Civil-Military Integration on Cyberspace 5, 33–35 (2017).
13. H. F. Xue, Civil-Military Integration on Cyberspace 12, 5 (2018).
14. J. S. Lei, Y. Liu, Y. Y, Qi, Q. Z. Zhang, Scientific and Technological
Progress and Countermeasure 36, 152–160 (2019).
15. H. F. Xue, M. Tang, Y. G. Qian, Journal of Beihua University 19, 115–120
(2018).
16. S. Liu, Future and Development 35, 2–6 (2012).
17. H. F. Xue, Y. Cao, China Aerospace 9, 80–83 (2018).
18. M. S. Yu, Journal of Medical Graduate Students 27, 6 (2014).
19. F. Qiao, “The College’s Metasynthetic Wisdom Education: Making
Possible the Goal of Hsue-Shen Tsien,” Master’s thesis, Central China
Normal University (2014).
20. J. Z. Li, “A Study of Qian Xuesen’s Thoughts on Innovative Talent
Cultivation,” Master’s thesis, China University of Petroleum (2016).
21. F. C. Zhuang, Journal of College of Equipment Command Technology
23, 1–4 (2012).
52 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

Conclusion
In the context of the world’s changing economy and an increasingly multicultural and integrated
society, new developments and new problems are constantly emerging; these changes have had the
effect of moving the emphasis of scientific methodology from reductionism to holism, and now to
systematology.
The systematic thought promoted by the Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank has had an enormous effect
on the development of systems science, which can be characterized as the quintessence of integrated
human wisdom. The Tsien Think Tank has transformed systematic thought from a philosophy into
a systematic science, and provided the key to researching open complex giant systems. With the
advent of systems science, systematic thought is now a discipline in which philosophy and science are
unified, thus also unifying theory and practice.
In addition, the Think Tank has driven the integrated development of China’s modern science and
technology. With its interdisciplinary, multilevel characteristics, systematology has become a bridge
for the integration of fields such as natural science, social science, and somatic science, and the
catalyst for the further growth of science and technology.
Moreover, the Think Tank has played a groundbreaking role in solving the problems of open
complex giant systems. The goal of human beings in understanding the world is first to reconstruct
it and then to promote the development of human society. Qualitative-to-quantitative metasynthesis
and the Hall for the Workshop on Metasynthetic Engineering, which were created by the Tsien Think
Tank, have helped to do just that. These methods are rooted in engineering practices, yet have
transcended those practices, and have now developed into organizational management technologies
applicable to all social practices. In particular, they have greatly improved the science, rationality, and
effectiveness of decision-making.
In order to face the future, humanity needs fresh wisdom, and in order to deal with the enormous
changes taking place everywhere, it requires new approaches. More than 40 years ago, in the context
of rapid globalization and the quiet arrival of the “information society,” Hsue-Shen Tsien formulated
the structure of systems science, which would point the way toward solving the problems of open
complex giant systems. Today, the Tsien Think Tank has inherited and enhanced Tsien’s systematic
thought and has carried out advanced research that has helped society to deal with the issues of the
current fifth industrial revolution, and will undoubtedly help to address those of the coming sixth and
seventh industrial revolutions.
We believe that the work of the Tsien Think Tank will lead to a tremendous increase in the growth of
science, technology, engineering, industry, and management and control systems, and promote the
construction of a shared global community. As Tsien said, “Systems science is a scientific revolution
. . . and the practice of systems engineering will bring about a technological revolution. The scientific
revolution and technological revolution will certainly arouse organizational management revolutions in
the 21st century.”
 SECTION | ARTICLE: TOPIC 53

A photo of Tsien at work from the early 1980s.

54 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

“ Science is the knowledge of

understanding the objective
world; technology is the
knowledge of reconstructing
the objective world; and
engineering is the practice
of reconstructing the
objective world.

”
—Hsue-Shen Tsien
 SECTION | ARTICLE: TOPIC 55
Tsien at the California Institute of Technology in 1949.
56 CHINA AEROSPACE LABORATORY OF SOCIAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING

Epilogue
Systems science, which can also be described simply as “improvement theory,” describes the process by
which ideas, theories, methods, technologies, and practical experiences are integrated and synthesized
in order to optimize a particular system under study. The need for systems science is greater than ever,
as globalization and our evolving information-based society have exponentially increased the complexity
of our world. Professor Huifeng Xue, academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and
director of the Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank, has been devoting himself to the comprehensive research of
systems science, including all aspects of its history, development, and application. As one of the major
leaders of systems science research in China, he has made brilliant achievement in this field.
Therefore, I am truly pleased that the “Satellite Metasynthesized Network” engineering project was
launched at the IAA’s Spring Conference, held in Paris in March, 2019. As the general initiator of this
project—which is based on systems science and aims to establish a worldwide data-sharing platform
that will link every corner of the earth—Professor Xue is helping to promote sustainable development
by creating a ubiquitous network unifying space, air, and ground systems, which is able to eliminate
the obstacles to global data-sharing caused by geographical restrictions, lack of international policy
coordination, and limited international cooperation, among other factors. During a conference sponsored
by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, entitled “United Nations/China Forum on Space
Solutions: Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals,” which took place in Changsha, China in
April 2019, the Satellite Metasynthesized Network was also introduced in detail by Professor Xue. His
presentation was favorably received by various organizations from around the world. The potential
benefits of this project will surely provide a positive impetus for achieving the United Nation’s 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. I believe that under the guidance of the Hsue-Shen Tsien Think Tank,
with its strong systems science foundation, the Satellite Metasynthesized Network will be established
successfully and play a crucial role in developing a community of common interest for mankind.
Furthermore, it is a great honor for me—and also for the IAA—to read this special supplement
published by one of the world’s top academic journals, Science magazine, which provides cutting-edge
research, commentary, and insights that make an invaluable contribution to scientific progress. On behalf
of the IAA, I hope that readers of this booklet will be inspired by the work of Professor Xue and others, who
are using the concepts of systems science to help solve the pressing issues facing the world today.

With best regards,

Dr. Jean-Michel Contant

Secretary General, International Academy of Astronautics
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