Research project A conceptual framework for design of complex system of systems (SoS)
This project develops a conceptual framework that supports the design of military C2-systems, and facilitates the integration of emerging technologies, such as AI. C2-systems operate in a context where technology, people and organisations interact to coordinate effects across multiple domains.
Military operations are becoming increasingly complex and require coordination of sensors and effects across multiple domains. To meet these demands, we develop a framework that supports the design of future military command and control systems (C2-systems).
Our focus is on enabling the integration of new technologies, such as AI and autonomous systems, while also considering operational objectives, stakeholder needs, and ethical aspects. The framework combines several theoretical perspectives, including Enterprise Modelling (EM), System of Systems (SoS), Socio-Technical Systems (STS), and Situational Method Engineering (SME).
The framework is expected to consist of a goal model, a conceptual model, and a library of method components that complement existing frameworks such as the NATO Architecture Framework (NAF). The aim is to construct a flexible and ethically grounded method for future C2 development.
This is Jan Lundberg’s PhD project. Supervisor is Janis Stirna, co-supervisor is Kent Andersson.
Project description
Modern military operations are increasingly shaped by a complex operational environment, rapid technological advancement, and the need for coordinated action across multiple domains. This evolution, often described through the lens of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), demands that Command- and Control systems (C2-systems) not only keep pace with emerging technologies but also support planning and decision-making across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains.
As these systems become more central to operational effectiveness, the challenge of integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and advanced data analytics, also increases. While these technologies hold great potential for enhancing military capability, their integration into C2-systems introduces new layers of complexity.
Existing frameworks. such as the NATO Architecture Framework (NAF) and the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF), provide structured representations of C2-infrastructures, yet offer limited methodological guidance on how to align technological innovation with operational goals, organizational practices, and stakeholder expectations. Moreover, these frameworks tend to emphasize static structural descriptions rather than dynamic, context-sensitive processes that can accommodate the evolving tactical realities of military operations today.
This research project addresses these challenges by developing a conceptual framework to support the design of future military C2-systems. Rather than focusing solely on technological advancement, the framework aims to integrate stakeholder needs and operational goals into a flexible and structured design methodology.
The project is grounded in Design Science Research (DSR), which emphasizes the iterative development and evaluation of artifacts across five interconnected phases: explicating the problem, defining requirements, designing the artifact, demonstrating its applicability, and evaluating its performance.
The theoretical foundation of the research draws on a set of complementary perspectives. Enterprise Modeling (EM), and specifically the 4EM method, is used to structure stakeholder goals and conceptualize system components. EM allows for the decomposition of high-level goals into sub-goals and requirements, enhancing traceability and alignment between stakeholder intentions and system design. System of Systems (SoS) theory provides the structural lens for understanding C2-systems as evolving constellations of semi-independent, interdependent subsystems that must function cohesively in joint operational contexts.
The research also builds on Socio-Technical Systems (STS) thinking, which emphasizes that system performance is not solely a function of technical design but also depends on how systems interact with people, organizational structures and methods. This perspective helps ensure that the design remains relevant to real-world operational use.
In addition, the project draws on Method Engineering (ME), particularly Situational Method Engineering (SME), to develop modular and adaptable method components. SME provides a structured approach for constructing method components that can be tailored to different contexts and stakeholder needs.
The work is further underpinned by Command and Control (C2) theory, which frames C2 as a distributed activity involving human actors, technologies, and organizations collaboratively solving military problems.
During the first phases of the research, a qualitative case study was conducted involving interviews with military commanders, system developers, and researchers to identify key stakeholder needs and challenges in the current C2-system development process. Based on these insights, a set of high-level stakeholder goals was formulated. These goals serve as anchor points in the modeling process and were translated into a hierarchical goal model using the 4EM method.
The goal model is complemented by a concept model, which describes key C2-system structures and interactions. Together they provide a foundation for aligning stakeholder expectations with system design activities.
A key contribution of the project at this stage is the development of a preliminary design framework composed of three interconnected elements:
- A stakeholder-driven goal model
- A concept model describing system structures and development perspectives
- An evolving library of method components (ongoing)
These method components, developed according to SME principles, are modular, adaptable and designed to support flexibility in use and integration with existing architecture frameworks such as NAF and DoDAF. Rather than seeking to replace these standards, the proposed framework is intended to complement them by filling methodological gaps and enhancing their responsiveness to real-world development challenges.
Ethical considerations are also central to the project and are explicitly addressed through the lens of Anticipatory Ethics for Emerging Technologies (ATE). As C2-systems increasingly incorporate AI and autonomous capabilities, ethical reflection becomes essential. The framework under development aims to proactively identify and address ethical risks, such as bias in machine learning, reduced human oversight, and questions of accountability.
We plan to continue constructing method components aligned with stakeholder goals and requirements. These components will be demonstrated through stakeholder workshops and scenario-based applications. Evaluation will proceed through expert reviews and exploratory focus groups, designed to assess usability and adaptability. These activities allow for continuous refinement of the artifact in response to new insights and stakeholder feedback.
In summary, this research contributes to ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening both the methodological foundation and contextual relevance of military C2-system development. By adopting a holistic, stakeholder-oriented, and ethically informed approach, the project seeks to support the integration of emerging technologies into C2-systems in a way that is operationally relevant.
Project members
Project managers
Jan Eilert Lundberg
PhD student
Janis Stirna
Professor, Unit Head IS
Kent Andersson
Associate Professor