AbstractFor complex techno-social system-of-systems, the system's robustness and its ability to adapt to changing environments and circumstances over the life cycle of the systems is an important measure of system quality and effectiveness.The IEEE 15288-2004 standard describes the concept of “enabling systems” that provide non-operational services to the system- of-interest at various times in the system life cycle. This concept of enabling systems provides critical components and perspective in the architecting and analysis of systems-of-systems adaptability and capabilities over time. Enabling systems also provide a potential strong link between the technical system and larger environmental effects such as economic conditions.This paper develops the role of enabling systems in systems and systems-of-systems performance and adaptability.