Engineering is the discipline and profession of applying scientific knowledge in order to realize a desired objective (UNESCO, 2010, p.71). Innovation and the application of engineering knowledge is the crucial foundation of economic and social development (Dr. Hoyer, 2013, p.26). Therefore, it plays a major role in the national and global development. The developments in engineering have propelled healthy trade between nations besides helping the global business community grow rapidly in the past two decades. Nations no longer trade only in goods and services but also in financial capital, technology, ideas, and knowledge.
At the same time, unprecedented growth in global demand and technological advancement has given rise to acute issues and challenges in engineering. There is an immediate need to bridge the knowledge divide between developed and developing countries (Dr. Hoyer, 2013, p.26). For a nation’s rapid progress, it is necessary to have an excellent infrastructure with additional capacity to meet the current and future demands. The regulatory norms, policies and processes should be conducive to the growth of businesses and promise profitability for global investors, especially for foreign direct investments (FDIs). The intellectual property (IP) protection laws and patent rights should prevent misuse. Internet and electronic commerce still require deeper penetration in many rural areas. The security aspects for users of computing devices on web have become very important to win trust of consumers and encourage online (electronic) commercial transactions. The remarkable progress in biomedical and healthcare is still marred by non-affordability for the economically challenged that prevents it from benefitting the masses in need. Terrorism and war has transformed technology benefits into lethal weapons posing a threat to the human race.
Therefore, nations need to mask their social, cultural and economical disparities to limit the use of engineering and technology for the benefit of the globe; and enrich the environmental and social aspects of life on earth.
References:
- Dr, Hoyer H. J. (2013, April). Challenges and Opportunities in Global Engineering Education, Presentation at http://www.aeds2013.org/main/program/7th_Dr.%20Hans-Juergen%20Hoyer.pdf, AEDS 2013. Page 26
- UNESCO (2010). Engineering: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development, UNESCO Report at http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001897/189753e.pdf, Paris: UNESCO Publishing. Pages 128-135
