Is systems engineering a stifler or an enabler of innovation? A contribute to the ongoing debate

Abstract

Fears that Systems Engineering Standards and processes could stifle creativity emerged as soon as the first of these procedures were published and enforced by the US Air force. At the same time, however, an essential component of creativity in Systems Engineering was identified, together with its ability to enable the development of innovative solutions. Those opposite perspectives have led practitioners and academicians to discuss whether Systems Engineering is rather a stifler or an enabler of innovation; this debate is still ongoing. Aiming at contributing to this open discussion, this paper critically reviews and compares prevalent existing models of creativity, innovation and Systems Engineering processes. The analysis shows a high degree of affinity between those disciplines and supports the initial central thesis of the authors: the Systems Engineering principles, if properly applied, can effectively support successful innovation.