Integrated assessment models and response function models: pros and cons for sustainable development indices design

Systems constituting sustainable development (SD) concepts are complex systems. A systems analysis approach, with models as a primary tool, is the most appropriate way to investigate SD phenomena in general and its complex systems in particular. Indicators and indices as a communication tool between scientists and decision-makers should be linked to SD models. rticle presents the general analysis of the systems approach and model approaches for the development of SD indicators and indices. Integrated assessment models (with TARGET 1.0 as an example) and response function models were examined from the point of their applicability for SD indicators and indices design. shown that we should create SD models, which will allow researches to obtain indices as the direct output of the models. The model of ecosystem pesticide contamination (PESTMOD) is given as an example of the successful application of the model for the development of ecosystem’s resilience index (ERI).