The Role of Standardization for Simulation in Model-Based Systems Engineering: A Survey Study Supplemented with Industrial Experiences

Abstract Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) increasingly integrates Modeling and Simulation (M&S) to enhance decision-making. This study aims to understand how domain-specific concerns shape simulation practices, and identify domain-agnostic practices that could benefit from standardizing. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a survey of 50 industry and academic participants with four in-depth experience reports from the domains of Construction Equipment, Embedded Networking Systems, Aerospace, and Automotive. Findings reveal variation in M&S practices across domains where standardization plays a large role in enabling cross-domain collaboration and simulation credibility. However, it also highlights context-dependent trade-offs between rigor and agility. Concluding the study are a number of actionable insights, including promoting cross-domain standards, enhancing traceability mechanisms, and bridging gaps between industry and academia.