A Systems Theoretical Approach to Interoperability of Information

Abstract

A rapid process of hybridisation of man and technology, organisation and technology and society and technology is currently sweeping the world. This process requires a way of (scientific) thinking that takes hybrid systems as the starting point. Such an approach makes it increasingly important for hybrid systems to be interlinked, enabling them to exchange and share information through these links. This linking of (hybrid) systems to enable them to exchange and share information can also be denoted as the realisation of interoperability between (hybrid) systems. Five principles from Luhmann's systems theory can help us understand interoperability. Interoperability enables (hybrid) systems to join random coalitions and networks. The network centric warfare concept is currently the basis for international efforts aimed at the development and application of interoperability that would enable armed forces to act effectively and efficiently. This paper demonstrates what we can learn from Luhmann's system's theory.

The enigma of context within network-centric environments

“…Sometimes, however, users are not able to assign a meaning adequately (enactment) to an opportunity presented by the environment and then to act on this meaning because they lack the necessary competencies or knowledge to do so. In all situations, as also stated by van Lier and Hardjono [6], the level of responsibility sharing between man and technology (agency) will have a direct consequence for the way in which people can carry out available options within the specific context. The responsibility division between man and technology may be adapted, expanded or restricted through the realisation of new options and the making available of these through a technological further development, or, through increasing the user's competencies and knowledge to use or apply existing or new options.…”

“…Technology in this way forms not only a fundamental but also an implicit and thus invisible or imperceptible part of our living world. It is thus gradually taking over responsibility from man as van Lier and Hardjono states [6] in the way in which we as people deal with this part of our living world. Man is in this way no longer alone in determining the way in which his world is approached by means of his technological equipment, but shares this responsibility more and more with the intelligent objects in his environment.…”

Can Machines Communicate? - The Internet of Things and Interoperability of Information

“…The moment of repair will be determined by and interact among themselves, thanks to technological applications, and take over tasks and responsibilities from humans. This shift from 'agency' between man and 'machine' will increasingly determine our behaviour and action repertoire as a human, organisation or society, for example as described by Van Lier & Hardjono (2011). The evolution from the existing Internet to an 'Internet of Things', in which not only subjects but also objects are connected to each other, may, according to Sundmaeker et al, develop into an: "Internet of Services, provided that technology for context-aware, reliable, embedded, energy-efficient and secure distributed networks of cooperating sensors and actuators, as well as the energy provisions for this technology is made available" (2011:22).…”