Systems-of-systems

Systems of systems

In many contexts, multiple actors each contribute a piece of the puzzle to create value together. On a smaller scale, this might involve a commuter switching from train to bus, a property developer purchasing cement casting and electrical installation from different suppliers, or a store accepting a credit card payment. On a larger scale, it can involve connecting entire infrastructures for electricity and transportation to address societal challenges that require system innovation.

When the connections between systems work well, everything happens in the background and we hardly notice how many actors are involved. But when such connections are being established for the first time – involving new technology and new partners – it can be truly challenging. How will the actors find each other? How will they dare to trust one another? How will information flow? Who is responsible if something doesn’t work?

The field of System-of-Systems (or SoS) takes a comprehensive engineering approach to such questions and offers proven methods for addressing them. New technology is often an enabler, but sometimes it needs a helping hand to reach its full potential.

At RISE, we run applied projects together with various partners, exploring how System-of-Systems knowledge can help solve concrete problems. In addition, we conduct research to deepen the fundamental understanding of the field.

Areas of Application

SoS is a broad concept that can be applied across a wide range of fields and industries. At RISE, we have successfully applied our expertise in SoS over the years in numerous practical projects and applications, such as:

• Passenger transport: Shared mobility as a service (MaaS, Mobility as a Service)
• Freight transport: Truck platooning for reduced fuel consumption and increased safety
• Construction and mining: Mass transport and asphalt paving to coordinate workflows
• Civil preparedness: Risk analysis in crisis management involving multiple organizations
• Manufacturing and process industry: Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things for increased productivity and quality

We can provide support in the integration and coordination of different systems and components to create efficient and seamless processes. In addition, we are happy to assist in navigating various ecosystems and promoting system innovation to meet future needs.

Our research

As a foundation for our research, we have developed a research agenda. It identifies nine main areas.

• Value creation
• Trust
• Business & Legal aspects
• Data & software ecosystems
• Organizing collaboration
• Architecture & Design
• Modeling, analysis & simulation
• Processes & Methods
• Building blocks
• Theoretical foundation
• Intelligent & autonomous constituents
• Socio-technical aspects

A more detailed description of the research agenda is available as a report. (https://ri.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1043518 ).

We regularly publish our results in scientific journals and conferences. A complete list of our publications can be found in DiVA. Individual researchers’ publications are also available on their profile pages.