SoS Benefiting from Complex Systems Research

AbstractSystem of Systems (SoS) projects and system development are generally considered to be complex. Although there is no generally agreed definition of complexity, the aspects of autonomy and independence of the included systems are generally considered to be the key aspects driving complexity.However SoS projects and systems do not heavily draw on the development of complex systems principles from literature developed more broadly. While working outside the Ashby space of requisite variety is recognized, notions of being on the edge of chaos are not generally recognized as leading to more innovative solutions. Operating in the Paretian space of power laws, with fractal and scaling principles, rather than operating under Gaussian statistics, also receives scant attention. Self-organized criticality and the role of tiny initiating events is not dwelt on. Recognition that natural and business systems undergo cycles, which usually involves changing stability levels, is seldom discussed. Systemic and cascading risk and black swan events are only discussed a little. Sense making and common meaning and the role of attractor cages and path history is normally not made use of. Finally the role of systems intelligence is examined. The benefits of addressing these concepts in system of systems is examined