Expert Insights

Reflections from the Dassault Systèmes MBSE Forum: A Day of Innovation and Insight

Written by Auday Al Rawe | Oct 28, 2025 11:38:13 AM

On 14th October, I had the opportunity to attend the Dassault Systèmes MBSE Symposium at the National Motor Museum - an event that brought together nearly 150 industry professionals passionate about advancing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). As part of TECHNIA, the leading Dassault Systèmes partner, I wanted to share my experience and insights from this inspiring event.

It was a full day of innovation, collaboration, and inspiring discussions. Here are my key takeaways. 👇

Fusion power and MBSE: tackling complexity at UKAEA

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) shared how they’re using SysML and the MagicGrid framework to map the entire plant’s problem space.

A model-centric approach is proving to be the way forward — helping manage complexity, accelerate design, reduce rework, and deliver cost savings. The benefits of traceability and faster design cycles were clear.

Sustainable marine tech: MBSE in low-volume, customised systems

The University of Oulu explored how MBSE supports sustainable marine technologies and discussed the challenges of implementing it in low-volume, highly customised systems.

Their studies showed that improved lifecycle integration can boost quality assurance, collaboration, and efficiency — even enabling innovation in areas like alternative fuels.

BAE Systems: building an Authoritative Source of Truth

BAE Systems showcased how they’re establishing a model-based Authoritative Source of Truth (ASoT) using SysML in Cameo.

This approach enhances consistency, traceability, and cross-discipline collaboration across mechanical, electrical, software, and safety domains. Their long-term goal? Achieving a fully digital, end-to-end system within 10 years.

Automotive success stories: MBSE in action

Both Einride Autonomous Technologies and ARM shared their MBSE journeys.

  • Einride tackled issues like siloed workflows and poor traceability — and found MBSE surprisingly intuitive.
  • ARM successfully transitioned from document-based to model-based processes, reducing duplication and managing complexity more effectively.

These stories prove that MBSE is delivering real, measurable value in industry today.

SysML v2 vs v1: what’s new and what to watch for

Leonardo UK shared their experience testing SysML v2, which introduces powerful APIs and service-based integration — addressing interoperability challenges that limited SysML v1.

However, they cautioned that migrating existing models won’t be a simple “button push.” Careful planning and training will be essential.

Educating the next generation of MBSE engineers

An experienced panel featuring experts from Loughborough, Cranfield, Oulu universities, and the Institute of Systems Engineering explored how academia can prepare future engineers for an MBSE-driven world.

The message was clear: universities must integrate SysML, UAF (Unified Architecture Framework), and systems thinking into teaching — and collaborate closely with industry to align education with practice.

Is SysML v2 the silver bullet?

A closing panel debated whether SysML v2 will transform MBSE. The consensus: it offers huge potential for interoperability and collaboration, but adoption will take time and effort.

SysML v2 might just be the game-changer the industry needs — but time will tell.

Live demo: the future in action

Dassault wrapped up with an impressive live demo of SysML v2 — showcasing model execution, APIs, and analysis features like parametric evaluation and requirements verification.

They also introduced the EE Architecture plug-in for CATIA Magic, which extends MBSE into electrical, electronics, and software domains — showing a powerful connection between system architecture and detailed engineering.

Final takeaways

  • Strong industry turnout shows MBSE’s growing influence.
  • Model-centric design is essential for managing complexity and reducing costs.
  • SysML and MagicGrid frameworks enable traceable, efficient system design.
  • ASoT improves cross-discipline collaboration and clarity.
  • SysML v2 offers better interoperability but needs careful transition planning.
  • Education and training will drive the next generation of MBSE talent.
  • SysML v2 looks promising — but not an instant “silver bullet.”

Final thought: The future of engineering is model-based, digital, and collaborative, and events like this remind us just how fast that future is approaching.