The perception of the value and propriety of modern engineered systems is changing. In addition to their functional and extra-functional properties, nowadays' systems are also evaluated by their sustainability properties. The next generation of systems will be characterized by an overall elevated sustainability -- including their post-life, driven by efficient value retention mechanisms. Current systems engineering practices fall short to support these ambitions and need to be revised appropriately. In this paper, we introduce the concept of circular systems engineering, a novel paradigm for systems sustainability. After defining a conceptual reference framework to situate systems engineering practices within, we derive prerequisites for circular systems engineering. Finally, we outline the challenges and research opportunities associated with circular systems engineering.

翻译：现代工程系统的价值与合理性认知正在发生转变。除功能性与非功能性属性外，现今系统还需通过可持续性特征进行评估。新一代系统将以全面增强的可持续性为特征——包括通过高效价值保留机制驱动的生命周期后阶段。当前系统工程实践难以支撑此类愿景，亟需系统性革新。本文提出循环系统工程这一新型系统可持续性范式。在构建概念参考框架以定位系统工程实践后，我们推导了循环系统工程的前提条件，最终阐述了该领域面临的挑战与研究机遇。