A National Approach to Systems Integration of Large Complex Systems

Large-scale systems, such as rail networks, air traffic control systems, and networked defence systems are vital to national well-being. However, modern systems are becoming increasingly complex in nature and their development is proving problematical both in Australia and around the World. The paper opens by describing the nature of the problem and the best-practice approach taken to overcome the difficulties. From here, the Australian needs for systems integration research and skills development are discussed and finally the paper outlines a proposal to form a defence centre of excellence in systems integration that will form a coherent basis for a national response to the Nation's systems integration research and skill-base capability requirements.