Competence Networks in the Era of CPS – Lessons Learnt in the ICES Cross-Disciplinary and Multi-domain Center

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are evolving to become more intelligent, autonomous and collaborating, playing an important role in societal infrastructure. The amount of knowledge required in developing and managing future CPS will be unprecedented, leading to stronger needs for collaboration, competence provisioning, continuous learning and renewal of education. This is where “competence” (or learning) “networks” involving academia and industry play an important role. We elaborate and discuss needs, lessons learnt and challenges for such competence networks in the context of CPS. We draw upon our experiences gained from ICES - the KTH-industry cross-disciplinary and multi-domain competence network which in 2019 has been operational for 11 years, growing from 6 to more than 30 participating organizations. The ICES network focuses on activities to support students, industrial engineers and managers, and academic faculty, acting as a network, catalyst and competence provider directed towards these stakeholders. We elaborate challenges faced during the operation of ICES including the lack of prioritization of competence networks and education, the paradox with strong needs for competence networks but perceived lack of time, the challenges of reaching out to stakeholders, and fragmented efforts addressing competence provisioning. We finally discuss ways forward. In conclusion, we believe that the ICES type of network could be relevant in many other areas characterized by complex systems.