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# Understanding First, Solutions Second: A Systems Thinking Analysis of the Proposed Australian Cybersecurity Professionalization Scheme

## Details

**Authors** Collins M

**Year** 2025

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 5(1)

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Cybersecurity

**Reading level** technical

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.2025-000050MC) 
10.54120/jost.2025-000050MC

## In authors' words

### Abstract

This paper applies rigorous systems thinking methodologies to critically evaluate Australia's proposed Cybersecurity Professionalization Scheme within the context of Australia's projected workforce shortages. Through the analytical frameworks of DSRP Theory (Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, Perspectives) and Agent-Based Approach (ABA), this research interrogates the complex adaptive system of cybersecurity workforce development. Meta-analysis of empirical evidence across industries reveals a consistent pattern: while professionalization schemes increase practitioner earnings and potentially enhance service quality in high-risk domains, they simultaneously create significant market entry barriers and can reduce workforce growth. The study identifies that Australia's proposed scheme exhibits strengths in its industry-led design philosophy and integration with existing certification frameworks, but raises concerns regarding systemic impacts on cost inflation, industry adoption rates, and workforce diversity. The ABA analysis identifies emergent properties that may undermine the scheme's objectives and proposes design principles to mitigate unintended consequences. This paper contributes to the critical discourse on professionalization by demonstrating how a systems thinking approach can reveal dynamics invisible to traditional policy analysis. This research provides stakeholders with an evidence-based evaluation framework to assess the scheme's effectiveness and sustainability, while offering specific recommendations aligned with systems design principles that could enhance positive outcomes while mitigating negative systemic impacts. As a result, the fundamental question emerges: does Australia have an adequate understanding of the cybersecurity workforce system prior to implementing solutions?

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A systems-thinking evaluation of Australia's proposed Cybersecurity Professionalization Scheme, using DSRP and the Agent-Based Approach against projected workforce shortages.

### What they found (results)

Professionalization raises practitioner earnings and possibly service quality but creates entry barriers and can slow workforce growth; the scheme's emergent effects may undermine its own objectives — the open question is whether the workforce system is understood well enough to intervene in.

## Commentary

### In short

Uses DSRP and the Agent Based Approach to evaluate Australia's proposed cybersecurity professionalization scheme.

### Response

Uses DSRP and Cabrera's Agent-Based Approach to evaluate Australia's proposed cybersecurity professionalization scheme, and concludes its emergent effects may undermine its own objectives.

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R, P

**How to cite this** Collins M (2025). Understanding First, Solutions Second: A Systems Thinking Analysis of the Proposed Australian Cybersecurity Professionalization Scheme. Journal of Systems Thinking 5(1).