Question

Building on the knowledge acquired, discuss practical engineering design and why engineering for the developing world matters.

discuss practical engineering design and why engineering for the developing world matters.

Answer 1

Engineering is pervasive in our modern society, enabling every sector from communication and entertainment to finance and healthcare, as well as its more visible applications in construction, manufacturing and transport.

Engineering is central to the well-being and economic development of every nation. Creative and dynamic, it evolves continuously to meet the needs of human civilisation. Engineering is pervasive in our modern society, enabling every sector from communication and entertainment to finance and healthcare, as well as its more visible applications in construction, manufacturing and transport. Progress is driven, as it has always been, by human curiosity and experimentation, but resources are finite and the art of engineering is to devise affordable solutions to problems.

Engineering for the 21st century

Engineering provides the means to convert excellent research into new and improved products and services that can and do make a substantial contribution to the economy. Innovative engineering is the key to future growth in the UK and we will have to make increasing use of our intellectual abilities and our creative talent if we are to take advantage of this opportunity.

Engineering is vital to all the sectors prioritised in the government’s industrial strategy, which builds on our existing strengths in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, software and computing. Case studies included in the Technopolis assessment demonstrate genuine advances being made possible through engineering research across the priority sectors including automotive, aerospace, renewable energy and healthcare.

Engineering has changed dramatically during the last 20 years. Emerging technologies
now provide important opportunities for future growth and the boundaries between traditional disciplines are becoming increasingly blurred as many of the most exciting discoveries and developments are made at these boundaries. For example, the global industrial biotechnology market in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors is expected to be worth £150 –360 billion a year by 2025, with the UK positioned to capture a £4 – 12 billion share. This is an entirely new area of exploration that has arisen through the interaction of chemistry, biology, medicine and engineering.

Engineering for growth

Economic growth is a means to improving quality of life, addressing society’s challenges, strengthening social cohesion and creating the education and training that can give young people real opportunity. As one of the world’s leading economies, the UK now faces a massive challenge to remain competitive on a global stage. This review has demonstrated that the UK achieves substantial and wide-ranging returns from its public investment in engineering research and associated training. However, real and sustained support from across the political spectrum will be essential in the years ahead if we are to reap the full rewards offered by engineering ingenuity and innovation.