System engineering is designing, managing and optimizing complex systems throughout their life cycles. Elon Musk, has applied systems engineering principles all across his multiple companies, Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink to streamline operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Musk implemented vertical integration, which means, he can control multiple stages of the production process, enabling cost savings and better coordination.

Musk's innovations are subject to competition, copycats, and creative destruction. His success have lead to many competitors to try and replicate his success in electric vehicles, space exploration and renewable energy. He knows that so his continuity in innovation has to be frequent, and this way he keeps proving his efficiency, by expanding into new markets, industries, and adapting to change consumer demands and technological advancements. Plus, maintaining a strong brand reputation and being known as a cultural innovation in his companies is crucial for his success.