This special issue of Kybernetes continues the relationship between the journal and the American Society for Cybernetics (ASC). It contains papers arising from (and hence constitutes the proceedings of) the ASC conference on the theme "Acting, Learning, Understanding" held in collaboration with the Institute for Educational Cybernetics (IEC) of Bolton University between 27 July and 3 August 2013. This was only the second conference the ASC has held outside the North America and was intended to emphasise the international nature of the society—more than half the Executive Board members live outside North America!