Adapting the process: Enablers and barriers to innovation in systems engineering and acquisition processes

Engineering and acquisition of information technology (IT) systems frequently involve high levels of uncertainty in requirements, design and technology. Addressing these uncertainties requires engineering and acquisition strategies and processes that are directed at garnering flexibility in the face of requirements and technology uncertainty. This paper reports on ongoing research to identify such candidate strategies with particular emphasis on insights gained from field research into the enablers and barriers to implementing non-traditional practices. A model of innovation readiness is presented and its applicability is described.