What the study found
The study found that digital engineering transformation is often undermined by sociotechnical barriers, meaning obstacles involving people, technology, processes, culture, infrastructure, and goals. It also found that technological investments alone are insufficient.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the study fills a gap in digital engineering scholarship by giving a structured, policy-grounded account of why these efforts stall. They conclude that the barrier-to-policy mapping can help stakeholders diagnose risks, prioritize resources, and support long-term change management.
What the researchers tested
The researchers presented a structured synthesis based on the literature and sociotechnical systems theory. They organized barriers across dimensions of people, technology, processes, culture, infrastructure, and goals, then mapped those barriers to the U.S. Department of Defense's digital engineering policy goals.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis suggests that barriers such as workforce readiness, leadership support, and cultural alignment are important in digital engineering failures. It also indicates that barriers can cascade across multiple policy goals, which complicates accountability, prioritization, and long-term sustainment.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes a literature-based synthesis rather than a direct empirical test of implementation outcomes. It does not provide detailed limitations beyond noting that the framework is intended as a diagnostic lens rather than prescriptive guidance.
Key points
- Digital engineering transformation is described as a shift toward integrating digital artifacts into an authoritative source of truth.
- The study finds that sociotechnical barriers span people, technology, processes, culture, infrastructure, and goals.
- Workforce readiness, leadership support, and cultural alignment are highlighted as social factors linked to failure.
- The barrier-to-policy mapping suggests obstacles can affect multiple Department of Defense policy goals at once.
- The authors present the framework as a diagnostic tool for managers, policymakers, and engineers.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Sociotechnical barriers hinder digital engineering transformation
- Authors:
- Md Doulotuzzaman Xames, Taylan G. Topcu
- Institutions:
- Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-24
- DOI:
- 10.1002/sys.70059
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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