Education, Research and Innovation in Engineering for a Sustainable Future

The world is changing rapidly with new technologies being introduced every day. According to futurist Thomas Frey, humanity will change more in the next 20 years than in all human history. These technology changes directly impact how we live and work, our state of health and living standards, and most importantly our economies. In response to these global trends, there need to be profound changes in higher education, research and innovation as we prepare future generations of engineers. This paper discusses the impact on education, research and innovation in engineering and considers approaches that are sustainable in the years ahead. It outlines some of the technologies that are having an impact today and that are likely to do so in the decades to come. In doing so, it shows how these technologies may affect engineering education, research and innovation. It also discusses some of the challenges facing modern societies, as well as challenges associated with interfacing with these technologies. Specific consideration is then given to education, research and innovation in Engineering through the themes Re-shaping Education, Enhancing Research and Pursuing Innovation. Strategies and approaches based on new and emerging technologies are discussed and ideas for improvement presented. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on managing the process for a sustainable future.