Continuing the Conversation After ASEC 2025

This year’s ASEC marked an important milestone for the systems engineering community, celebrating the launch of the Institute for Systems Engineering and its role as the UK chapter of INCOSE.

Paul Davies and Richard Beasley who represented Project Performance International at ASEC this year found the conference energising and thought-provoking, with strong engagement across paper presentations, tutorials, and exhibitor participation.

Some key takeaways from the event included:

• MBSE and AI featured strongly, with discussion on the benefits and challenges of modelling, and how organisations are overcoming learning curves to deliver value. AI was positioned as an enabler that accelerates work while supporting, not replacing, engineering judgement.

• Systems Thinking was emphasised across the system lifecycle, from early mission analysis through to concept definition. Keynotes revisited foundational models such as the engineering V-model, the Viable Systems Model, and the Law of Requisite Variety.

• The value of systems engineering was a recurring theme, with focus on how that value can be expressed in ways that resonate with a broader range of stakeholders.

Beyond the formal programme, it was great to see a diverse and engaged audience, including many first-time attendees and early-career professionals contributing to a welcoming community. A sincere thank you to the IfSE team, organisers, and exhibitors for delivering a high-quality event and creating an environment that encouraged discussion and learning.

At Project Performance International, these themes closely align with the challenges we see when working with organisations worldwide. Much of our training and consulting focuses on helping engineers, engineering managers, and leaders move from awareness to confident, practical application, whether in requirements, architecture, decision-making, MBSE, use of AI or engineering management.

If ASEC prompted questions about how to apply these practices/ideas more effectively within your own projects or organisation, we would welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation with you.

You can connect with us on LinkedIn, or send us a message below to discuss how PPI can support your systems engineering journey.