Dependable embedded systems

The following is an introduction to the special issue on dependable embedded systems. The motivation for this issue came from two large-scale research initiatives, namely the German DFG SPP 1500 “Dependable Embedded Systems” (coordinated by Jörg Henkel from KIT; see also: http://spp1500.itec.kit.edu) and the NSF “Variability Expedition” from theUSA (coordinated byRajesh Gupta from UC San Diego; see also: http://www.variability.org). Both research initiatives started around the same time and both address similar dependability problems. Since both initiatives have had various exchanges through joint colloquia etc., a special issue representing the newest research outcome of both appeared to be an interesting contribution to the international research community working on this topic.