A connected embedded system is a complex system that integrates hardware and software elements and has real-time interactions with its environment. Developing such a system requires having a systemic approach, based on systems thinking and systems engineering (SE). Systems thinking demonstrates the need of adopting an interdisciplinary approach (not only technology focused but also considering societal or regulatory commitments), that is essential to explore the whole embedded systems field. SE enables learners acquiring a method which provides the means to set up a consistent design and management plan that fully integrates a product development.This paper describes how a MOOC has been designed and produced to promote the use of a systemic approach when developing connected embedded systems. The MOOC uses different case studies in order to progressively develop system thinker's skills for identifying and solving a variety of problems raised during the design of a connected embedded system. Launched in 2016, it attracted more than 10.800 learners in less than 2 years. What led to such a success is certainly because the team that created the MOOC experienced a collaborative and integrative approach, namely a systemic approach, that also revealed its benefits in this educative project. K E Y W O R D SMultidisciplinary design, system development, systems thinking

Bio‐mimetics have often provided a useful means of inspiration for engineering design – for instance in fabrication of materials for aerospace. One more recent area of interest, from the perspective of cyber security has been in the remarkable ability of the immune system to cope with the diversity and evolution of threats such as bacteria and viruses. The focus of this paper is to further examine the architectural parallels between biological systems and engineered solutions in defence and security. Systems thinking and modelling are the tools utilized in examining the architectures and the capabilities of the biological systems such as anticipatory, adaptability and self‐respect. In performing such an examination, it is anticipated that insight and potential improvements may be found in both directions – improvements in our approaches to combat complex disease and also possible inspiration in the science, architectures and designs for our engineered systems.