Book excerpts:

Five years ago, a first volume of open problems in mathematical systems and control theory appeared. Some of the 53 problems that were published in this volume attracted considerable attention in the research community.

This book contains a new collection of 63 open problems. The contents of both volumes show the evolution of the field in the half decade since the publication of the first volume. Each of the problems included here is proposed by a leading expert and set forth in an accessible manner. One noticeable feature is the shift toward a wider class of questions and more emphasis on issues driven by physical modeling.

Early versions of some of the problems in this book have been presented at the Open Problem sessions of the Oberwolfach Tagung on Regelungstheorie, on February 27, 2002, and of the Conference on Mathematical Theory of Networks and Systems (MTNS) in Notre Dame, Indiana, on August 12, 2002.

Since the appearance of the first volume, open problems have continued to meet with large interest in the mathematical community. Undoubtedly, the most spectacular event in this arena was the announcement by the Clay Mathematics Institute of the Millennium Prize Problems whose solution will be rewarded by one million U.S. dollars each. Modesty and modesty of means have prevented the editors of the present volume from offering similar rewards toward the solution of the problems in this book. However, notwithstanding this absence of a financial incentive, the intellectual challenge will stimulate many readers to attack the problems.

Intended Audience:

Covering a wide range of areas, this book will be an ideal reference for anyone interested in the latest developments in the field, including specialists in applied mathematics, engineering, and computer science.

Readers are encouraged to submit their own contributions by following the instructions given on the book website, and thus also be able to access solutions, updated information, and partial solutions as they are developed.