Key note: INCOSE: its New Strategic Plan and Future Priorities

In early 2022, INCOSE released its Systems Engineering Vision 2035, a forward-looking guide designed to inspire and shape the future of systems engineering (SE) worldwide. This ambitious vision sets a high bar for the discipline, extending its reach beyond the traditional technical system lifecycle to address critical global challenges such as sustainable natural resource management and climate change. A core message of the vision is clear: the future of systems engineering is model-based.

The growing adoption of SE across industries is encouraging, but it also brings challenges. Rapid proliferation has led to inconsistent practices and, in some cases, a dilution of system engineering’s core principles. The current “hype” surrounding Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) illustrates this dynamic. Interpretations of MBSE vary widely, with some mistakenly framing it as separate from — or even in opposition to — traditional SE, rather than as its natural evolution within the broader context of digital transformation.

In response, INCOSE’s industrial members have called for clearer, authoritative guidance and greater standardization. These dynamics have driven INCOSE to refine its strategic direction. This presentation will provide a brief introduction to INCOSE and the competitive landscape that shaped its updated strategic plan. It will outline the plan’s key elements and share initial actions and tactical priorities for the future, with a particular focus on MBSE, digital engineering, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in systems engineering.

A detailed speaker biography can be found on the dedicated key-note speaker page.