Why do systems fail? Often because of their high complexity. Yet, the Dutch industry is remarkably successful in realizing very complex high-tech equipment, thanks to the use of strong system thinking.

In practice, however, the burden of system thinking is often on the head of a lone system architect. Going forward this is a problem. High-tech equipment continues to grow in complexity. It also integrates more and more tightly in its operational context: medical equipment into the hospital and even in the complete care cycle, semiconductor equipment into the fab or a module into the supply chain.

A single person can no longer on her own deal with this system(s) complexity, calling for a much wider spread of system thinking in the organizations. What is “system thinking” and why is adoption across disciplines crucial for future success? How do various means support such wide introduction like methods and tools, such as MBSE, creating awareness and competence development?