Transdisciplinary Systems Engineering: What is it, why do we need it, and how do we get there from here?

Marilee Wheaton (The Aerospace Corporation)
David Rousseau (Centre for Systems Philosophy)
Azad Madni (University of Southern California, Viterbi School of Engineering.)
Peter Brook (Dashwood Systems Engineering)
Michael Pennotti (Stevens Institute of Technology)
Hillary Sillitto (Sillitto Enterprises)

Keywords
Transdisciplinarity;Elegant solutions to complex challenges;Future of SE;General Systems Theory;Complexity Science;Sustainability;Resilience
Abstract

Transdisciplinarity has been advanced as an important goal for SE as it rises to the challenge of accelerating growth in complexity of required systems, expansion of the scope of SE to address social and sustainability concerns, and the emergence of new solution-frameworks based on the integration of knowledge, techniques, and expertise from multiple fields. However, many are uncertain about what transdisciplinarity is, how it empowers SE, what its principles are, and what we have to do to achieve the transition to fully-fledged transdisciplinarity. In this discussion leading researchers will present various views on these important questions, to be followed by an extended audience discussion to share further views and explore opportunities for supporting this transformation in the capability of SE.