Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to developing and managing complex systems. This field of expertise forms the basis for the Netherlands' strong position in the high-tech equipment industry. Innovation in Systems Engineering is crucial for Dutch companies to respond to rapidly changing market conditions and maintain their competitive position through flexibility and resilience.

The innovation domain of Systems Engineering is essential for the entire cycle, from conceptual design to implementation and maintenance of the integrated hardware and software systems that underpin high-tech products and services. The multidisciplinary approach of Systems Engineering combines the knowledge of hardware, software, networks, and artificial intelligence present within the extensive ecosystem.

The industry is experiencing growing competition, making it necessary to innovate more quickly. Companies are facing two challenges that are hindering this acceleration:

Systems are becoming increasingly complex

For example, we see growing autonomy through the application of AI, deeper integration of systems with other systems in a 'systems of systems' setting, exposure to increasing security risks and legislation, and requirements regarding sustainability and circularity.

A pressing and growing shortage of highly qualified personnel

Systems Engineering is a crucial link in addressing this complexity issue. The shortage of systems engineers to meet the challenges is forcing the development of new systems engineering methodologies. These methodologies are designed to enable systems engineers to perform their work more effectively and efficiently, thereby contributing to increased productivity and quality of work.

Holland High Tech supports the development of this ecosystem in the Systems Engineering innovation domain, driving innovation through strategic programs and public-private partnerships.

Programme Council

Wouter Leibbrandt

Programme Council member Systems Engineering

LinkedIn profile

Innovation Domain

System Engineering is one of the innovation domains of Holland High Tech, the top sector High Tech Systems and Materials. We stimulate innovation in the field of System Engineering for consortia of research organisations and companies with subsidies from the government's PPS Innovation Scheme. Look at the overview of Holland High Tech for details on our funded R&D programmes and projects.

Programmes & projects

The multidisciplinary nature of Systems Engineering requires the use of a wide range of technologies, including:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): These technologies play an increasingly important role in Systems Engineering to process complex datasets, improve decision-making, and automate routine tasks.
Automation: Robots are taking over routine and repetitive tasks. This enables specialists to concentrate on more complex aspects of system design and analysis.
Simulation technology: Process engineers model systems with this technology and test them in a virtual environment. These are essential steps to optimise systems and identify and resolve potential issues before a system is put into use.
Data analysis technology: Just like AI, traditional data analysis technologies play a crucial role in processing and analyzing large volumes of data to gain insights and make informed decisions during the design process.
Cybersecurity: Increased complexity brings greater security challenges. These risks require attention during the design, implementation, and maintenance of systems.
Model-Based Systems Engineering: By using MBSE, system knowledge is captured in models. These models support interdisciplinary communication, automatic correctness and completeness checks, but most importantly, simulation and design space exploration. MBSE can make a significant contribution to increasing the productivity of (systems) engineers and the quality of the delivered designs.

The Innovation Domain of Systems Engineering plays a crucial role in various high-tech sectors:

High-tech industry: System Engineering is essential for responding quickly to market changes and maintaining control over supply chains.
Civil Engineering: Large infrastructure projects by organisations like Rijkswaterstaat and ProRail are not possible without an integrated approach.
IT Infrastructure: Complex IT systems and networks require a multidisciplinary approach to their design, implementation, and management.
The energy system: The energy transition requires a system-wide approach, combined with the use of intelligent digital systems.
Defence industry: Complex weapons systems, with a significant digital component and growing intelligence and autonomy.
Autonomous systems: In various sectors, such as in future mobility systems and autonomous vehicles.

Traditionally, Systems Engineering has been a crucial element in the defence, aerospace, and automotive industries. These aspects make Systems Engineering critical for the technological advancement of the Netherlands and for addressing significant societal challenges.

Synergies with other Innovation Domains

Systems Engineering has overlaps with various other innovation domains:

Optical Systems & Integrated Photonics

For the design, construction, and maintenance of advanced, complex lithography systems, for example, the Systems Engineering approach is a prerequisite.

Quantum Technologies

System engineers play a crucial role in the design and construction of quantum systems, in optimising error correction techniques, and in improving scalability.

Imaging Technologies

Imaging systems for medical, industrial, and scientific applications are complex facilities that can only be realised through System Engineering.

Mechatronics & Optomechatronics

Integrating mechanical, electronic, and optical components into complex mechatronic and optomechatronic systems requires an interdisciplinary approach.

Energy Materials

When designing, implementing, and managing efficient energy storage systems or sustainable energy technologies, various disciplines work together on integrated systems.

Semiconductor Technologies

Systems engineering is essential for optimising manufacturing processes and integrating semiconductor components into larger systems.

Projects about Systems Engineering

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News about Innovation Domains

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Innovation

Innovation is essential for the Netherlands. We are working on smart innovations to address urgent transitions: Dutch solutions for global challenges. With technological innovation and unique expertise, we, as a country, anticipate future safety, autonomy, job security, and income. Holland High Tech amplifies the impact of innovation. Discover more about how we do this through our focus on urgent transitions and the innovation domains that provide solutions.