Call for Book Chapters: System of Systems Engineering: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

We are pleased to invite contributions to the forthcoming edited book, System of Systems Engineering: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions, to be published by Elsevier. This book aims to address the increasing complexity of modern engineering challenges by providing a comprehensive resource that integrates theoretical foundations, emerging technologies, and practical applications of System of Systems Engineering (SoSE).

Editors

• Bedir Tekinerdogan, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands  (bedir.tekinerdogan@wur.nl)
• Khalil Drira, LAAS-CNRS Université de Toulouse, France (drira@laas.fr)

Scope and Objectives

System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) is a multidisciplinary field focused on the design, management, and optimization of complex systems that operate independently yet interact to achieve shared goals. This book addresses the growing need for advanced SoSE approaches across diverse industries, including aerospace, healthcare, energy, and smart cities, by tackling both foundational principles and emerging challenges.

The book bridges theory and practice, integrating advanced frameworks with practical tools for managing the complexity, interdependencies, and dynamics of systems of systems. It explores the role of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT, digital twins, and blockchain in enhancing system efficiency, resilience, and security. It also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing from engineering, computer science, and social sciences to develop holistic solutions.

The book examines SoSE’s potential to address global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and energy sustainability while discussing ethical, social, and environmental implications. It offers actionable insights on governance, policy, and leadership for managing large-scale projects and explores domain-specific applications in defense, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, and healthcare. Finally, it looks to the future of SoSE, speculating on emerging trends like quantum computing and 6G networks, and their potential challenges and opportunities.

By uniting contributions from leading experts, this book establishes a comprehensive resource for current practices and future directions in SoSE, equipping readers to address complex engineering challenges effectively.

Suggested Topics

We welcome original contributions that fall within, but are not limited to, the following themes:

1. Foundations of System of Systems Engineering
   • Characterization and classification of SoS
   • Key concepts, principles, and theoretical foundations
   • Historical evolution and future trajectories of SoSE
2. Governance and Management
   • Strategic governance and policy frameworks for SoSE
   • Leadership, communication, and decision-making in SoSE projects
   • Risk management and mitigation strategies in SoSE
   • Funding models and economic considerations in large-scale SoS
3. Methodologies and Tools
   • Systems thinking and lifecycle management methodologies
   • Modeling, simulation, and validation approaches for SoSE
   • Standards and protocols for interoperability and integration
   • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital thread approaches
   • Agile and adaptive methodologies in SoSE
4. AI and Emerging Technologies
   • AI-driven decision-making, automation, and optimization in SoSE
   • Machine learning applications and predictive analytics for SoSE
   • Integration of IoT, blockchain, and 5G/6G technologies in complex systems
   • Digital twins for monitoring, validation, and optimization
   • Ethical and societal implications of AI and emerging technologies in SoSE
5. Human and Organizational Factors
   • The role of human factors in SoSE design and operation
   • Organizational change management in adopting SoSE practices
   • Cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing in SoSE
6. Case Studies and Domain-Specific Applications
   • SoSE in defense, aerospace, and autonomous systems
   • Applications in smart cities, transportation, and urban planning
   • Healthcare System of Systems and patient-centric approaches
   • Energy systems, including smart grids and renewable energy integration
   • Environmental systems and SoSE approaches to sustainability
7. Emerging Challenges and Future Directions
   • Cybersecurity and resilience in complex systems
   • Climate adaptation and mitigation through SoSE approaches
   • Social and ethical considerations in designing SoS for equitable outcomes
   • Speculative research on quantum computing and SoSE
   • Frameworks for monitoring and evaluation of SoS performance

Important Dates

• June 1, 2025 – Contributors submit proposed chapter abstracts/outlines
• June 15, 2025 – Notification of Reviewed Chapters
• December 15, 2025 – Submission of Full Chapters
• January 15, 2026 – Notification of Full Chapters
• March 1, 2026 – Camera-Ready Copy of Chapters

Submission Guidelines

Contributions should be original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere. Each chapter should be approximately 7,500 words and follow Elsevier's formatting guidelines. Co-authored chapters are welcome, and we encourage contributions from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to reflect the global perspective of SoSE.Interested authors should submit a chapter proposal (500–1,000 words) outlining the scope, methodology, and expected contributions of the chapter. You can use this template. Each chapter should be around 15-20 pages. 

Submissions can be made via Easychair: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=sose2025

Submission and Inquiries

Interested authors should submit a chapter proposal (500–1,000 words) outlining the scope, methodology, and expected contributions of the chapter. Authors of accepted proposals will receive detailed chapter guidelines and templates.

We look forward to your contributions to this exciting volume and to advancing the field of System of Systems Engineering together.