Systems of systems engineering: prospects and challenges for the emerging field

TLDR: A perspective of the state of the SoSE field is developed and a set of challenges to forward movement of the field is offered to identify challenges for future evolution.

Abstract: System of systems engineering (SoSE) is a field that remains in the embryonic stages of development. The work presented in this volume provides a methodological approach, grounded in foundations of systems theory, to perform SoSE. However, further development of the field must be predicated on understanding critical distinctions emerging and bring focus to the challenges and prospects for further development. The purpose of this paper is to develop a perspective of the state of the SoSE field and identify challenges for future evolution. To achieve this purpose, the paper is organised to explore four primary areas. First, the literature is reviewed to provide an account of the current state of the field. Second, an organising framework is presented to structure understanding of field development. Third, a set of challenges to forward movement of the field is offered. Fourth, the paper concludes with reflections on the SoSE methodology presented in this volume and implications for further development of the SoSE field.