INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) hosts the Working Group on Systems Engineering, for an initial 3-year period 2024-2027.
INCOSE is a not-for-profit membership organization founded to develop and disseminate the transdisciplinary principles and practices that enable the realization of successful systems.
INCOSE is designed to connect Systems Engineering professionals with educational, networking, and career-advancement opportunities to develop the global community of systems engineers and systems approaches to problems. We are also focused on producing state-of-the-art work products that support and enhance this discipline’s visibility worldwide.
INCOSE became an International Member of WFEO in March 2024 with the approval of the Executive Council.
Background
Systems engineering is distinct from traditional branches of engineering in that it fundamentally relies on the concept of a system to view and address problems holistically. While traditional engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering typically focus on specific technical aspects or components of a problem, systems engineering takes a broader approach. Both are crucial for creating advanced technology and engineered systems, but they look at problems differently.
In systems engineering, a “system” is defined as a set of interrelated components working together towards a common goal. This discipline emphasizes understanding the entire system, including its environment, stakeholders, and interactions among its components. By doing so, systems engineers can see the totality of the problem and address it comprehensively.
Systems engineering offers a comprehensive view of complex problems by considering all components and their interactions. This holistic perspective is crucial for addressing multifaceted challenges like sustainability and energy, where multiple factors such as environmental impact, resource availability, and technological feasibility must be balanced. It bridges various disciplines, integrating knowledge from different fields to develop robust solutions. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that solutions are well-rounded and take into account technical, social, and economic factors.
The demand for systems engineers spans diverse industries and domains, underscoring the field’s relevance and significance.
Strategic context for a Working Group on Systems Engineering
Establishing a Systems Engineering Working Group within WFEO is strategically important and it will enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, address global challenges, support WFEO’s Strategic Goals, bridge gaps in knowledge and practice, promote global standards, facilitate innovation, and enhance WFEO’s global influence.
Alignment with WFEO’s Strategic Goals
WFEO aims to promote the role of engineering in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Systems engineering can play a pivotal role in this effort by ensuring that engineering projects are designed with sustainability in mind from the outset. Establishing a Systems Engineering Working Group will support WFEO’s strategic goals by promoting best practices, fostering innovation, and facilitating the integration of sustainable engineering principles across various disciplines.
Enhancing WFEO’s Global Influence
With a Systems Engineering Working Group, WFEO can strengthen its position as a leading global engineering organization. The group’s work will enhance WFEO’s reputation for promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing global challenges, and fostering innovation. This, in turn, will attract new members, partnerships, and opportunies for collaboration, further enhancing WFEO’s influence and impact on the global engineering community.
Addressing Global Challenges for Sustainable Development
Systems engineering is uniquely positioned to tackle global challenges to sustainable development including climate change and rapid technological advancements. By considering the entire lifecycle of systems and their interactions, systems engineers can develop solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and effective. A dedicated working group will enable WFEO to leverage systems engineering principles to address these critical issues, aligning with the organization’s mission to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity.
Enhancing Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The establishment of a Systems Engineering Working Group will foster interdisciplinary collaboration among the exisng Working Groups and Committees. Systems engineering is inherently interdisciplinary, integrating knowledge from various fields to develop comprehensive solutions.
Bridging Gaps in Knowledge and Practice
Many engineering disciplines can benefit from a deeper understanding of systems engineering principles. By establishing a dedicated working group, WFEO can provide a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and the disseminaon of best practices in systems engineering. This will help bridge gaps in knowledge and practice, ensuring that engineers across all disciplines can benefit from the holistic, systems-based approach.
Promoting Global Standards and Practices
A Systems Engineering Working Group can play a crucial role in promoting global standards and practices in systems engineering. By collaborang with member organizations, the group can help develop and disseminate guidelines, standards, and best pracces that ensure consistency and quality in systems engineering projects worldwide.
Facilitating Innovation and Technological Advancement
Systems engineering is at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement. By establishing a dedicated working group, WFEO can harness the innovative potential of systems engineering to drive technological progress. This will not only benefit existing projects and initiatives but also pave the way for new, cutting-edge solutions to global challenges.