The renaissance engineer: educating engineers in a post-9/11 world * Presented at the SEFIrenze Conference, 11 September 2002, Florence, Italy.

Abstract

Technology that fuels the economy and adds to the quality of life can also bring with it unexpected complexities. The events of 11 September bring into sharp relief some of the vulnerabilities that exist in the world, and also challenge us to re-examine the role of engineers in society. To date, the traditional responsibilities of the engineering communities in preventing future catastrophes have been defined purely in terms of technological advances. However, it is clear that engineering must go beyond pure technology to consider also the causes of vulnerabilities and examine if and how engineering can address matters that are often embedded in the social and economic fabric of society. Moreover, engineers must go beyond being technical experts who understand and consider social, financial and political factors in their work, and become leaders in all arenas of society. These expectations call for renaissance engineers and the need for a renaissance in engineering education. Recommendations to cultivate a new generation of renaissance engineers centre on recognition of individual talent and customizing education accordingly.