What are 'flows' in the context of system dynamics?

In the context of system dynamics, 'flows' refer to the interconnections between elements that change over time. This concept is central to understanding how dynamic systems operate, as flows represent the movement and transfer of information, resources, or energy within the system. These flows can include changes in quantities, such as the rate of production or consumption of a resource, and they illustrate how one part of the system influences another over time.

This dynamic nature means that flows are not static; they are characterized by their ability to adapt and change in response to varying conditions, making them crucial for modeling and analyzing complex systems. Recognizing flows helps in understanding feedback loops and causal relationships within the system, which are essential for predicting future behaviors and outcomes in system dynamics.

In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of systems. Static elements are fixed components that do not change, fixed resources denote set quantities that remain constant over a period, and external influences are factors from outside the system that impact its behavior but do not directly represent internal dynamics. By understanding flows, one gains insights into the ongoing changes that define the behavior of a system over time.