Defining and Researching “Dynamic Systems of Systems”

Digital transformation is advancing across industries, enabling products, processes, and business models that change the way we communicate, interact, and live. It radically influences the evolution of existing systems of systems (SoSs), such as mobility systems, production systems, energy systems, or cities, that have grown over a long time. In this article, we discuss what this means for the future of software engineering based on the results of a research project called DynaSoS. We present the data collection methods we applied, including interviews, a literature review, and workshops. As one contribution, we propose a classification scheme for deriving and structuring research challenges and directions. The scheme comprises two dimensions: scope and characteristics. The scope motivates and structures the trend toward an increasingly connected world. The characteristics enhance and adapt established SoS characteristics in order to include novel aspects and to better align them with the structuring of research into different research areas or communities. As a second contribution, we present research challenges using the classification scheme. We have observed that a scheme puts research challenges into context, which is needed for interpreting them. Accordingly, we conclude that our proposals contribute to a common understanding and vision for engineering dynamic SoS.