This paper deals with some of the factors playing a decisive role in the development of systems engineering in Czechoslovakia. What is determining in this respect is the nature of problems in the domain of application. The socio-economic systems are supposed to be dominant; their complexity and fuzziness characterise the core of topical problems and therefore also the demands on systems engineering in the near future. We introduce the category of "generic system material". This property is essential for the understanding, and management, of complex systems. This category expands the basic concept of a system. In the field of systems methodologies the increase of compatibility of soft and hard methodologies and a shift from plain rationality, in problem solving to system culture are expected.