Exploring Engineered Complex Adaptive Systems of Systems

The rise of automation in many systems; and technology ubiquity in general, present some complex operational environments that require highly collaborative Complex Adaptive Systems of Systems (CASoS) solutions. This paper describes the need to engineer CASoS and explores how they may be applied to address complex problems. This effort builds on a developing body of knowledge in complex systems and focuses on understanding characteristics and measures of CASoS with an ultimate goal on developing engineered CASoS. The implications of deeper CASoS understanding hold potential for more effective future responses to naturally-occurring and adversarial CASoS. Thus, there stands much to gain in increasing this body of knowledge.