Insights on Agile Development in Systems-Intensive Sectors: Survey Findings from an Aerospace Company

The adoption of Agile methodologies in systems-intensive industries presents significant challenges due to structural rigidity, stringent regulatory requirements, and complex development processes. While Agile principles are widely recognized as beneficial, their feasibility in highly regulated, process-driven environments remains uncertain, creating a gap between theoretical benefits and practical application. Understanding this misalignment is crucial for designing systems that balance flexibility with operational constraints. This exploratory case study investigates the perceived importance and implementability of Agile principles in such contexts. A survey was conducted among employees of an Italian aerospace company, collecting demographic, career-related, work experience data and opinions on Agile principles and successful teams’ attributes. Participants rated the significance and feasibility of the principles and attributes on a 1-to-5 scale. A total of 28 responses were analyzed. Findings indicate that while Agile principles are valued, several are perceived as unlikely to be implemented. A correlation emerged between work experience and feasibility perceptions, suggesting that seniority influences attitudes toward Agile adoption. These results highlight the need for tailored Agile integration strategies that foster adaptability while ensuring system sustainability in complex industrial environments.