System-of-Systems Types

The figure illustrates the main types of SoS defined in the literature by Maier (1996) and by Dahmann and Baldwin (2008). The main types are: (i) Directed SoS, centrally managed by a single authority to achieve a defined mission; (ii) Acknowledged SoS, with recognized objectives and central coordination but considerable constituent independence; (iii) Collaborative SoS, lacking central authority and relying on voluntary collaboration; and (iv) Virtual SoS, highly decentralized, with fluid membership and cooperation without overarching management.