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 of supporting 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, and define two principles to successfully implement it: end-to-end sustainability and bipartite sustainability. We outline typical organizational evolution patterns that lead to the implementation and adoption of circularity principles, and outline key challenges and research opportunities.

翻译：现代工程系统的价值与合理性认知正在发生转变。除了功能性与非功能性属性外，当今系统还须依据其可持续性特征进行评估。下一代系统将呈现出整体可持续性提升的特征——包括其生命周期后阶段，这一特征由高效的价值保留机制驱动。当前系统工程实践难以支撑这些愿景，亟需进行适应性修订。本文提出循环系统工程这一系统性可持续性新范式，并定义了两项成功实施原则：端到端可持续性与双元可持续性。我们概述了促成循环性原则实施与采纳的典型组织演进模式，并指出了关键挑战与研究机遇。