Innovation and leadership must extend to the higher education sector in America in order to ensure a strong global presence driven by technological advancement, research and knowledge. It is very essential devising ways and means to stay ahead in competition on a long term basis by transforming knowledge effectively into processes, products and services.
Engineering education at college and university level is critical to ensure technologists and engineers are equipped with the right skills to innovate, research and exploit knowledge. In order to lead the field in innovation and technology, it is important to incorporate practical applications and bridge scientific discovery and engineering research.
A strong engineer force is required to use technological advances to provide national security and ensure good public health in order to keep the country economically competitive. Other significant gains of engineering research include economic growth, increased life expectancy and an improved standard of living. Challenges in the field of health care, homeland security, water supplies and sustainable energy resources can be combated only with the help of expert engineers.
Unless there is a reversal of trend, very soon, US will lag behind in technological innovation and will no longer be the global leader. Future of security and prosperity of our nation and the technological leadership of America is severely threatened by the amount of effort, time, money and other resources utilized by other countries in the world towards Research and Development. There is great acceleration in the pace of discovery and application of advanced technologies.
There is a strong need to provide quality education in the field of engineering.
A strong force of highly qualified and expert engineers who are funded well in order to aid them in innovation and advancement is the need of the day. Balance must be restored in the Federal funding of engineering research and innovation. As of now, more funds are being allocated towards life sciences and bio medical sciences rather than towards physical sciences.
With lesser investments and funding, there has been serious erosion of research infrastructure in the field of engineering. America has always been successful due to high quality education which has produced engineers and technological experts. Creativity, ingenuity and innovation continue to be critical for the country if it has to stay in the lead.
It is therefore essential to focus on improving the quality of physical sciences education by focusing on all aspects including the curriculum, faculty, lab facilities and research facilities. Till today, America has set standards for technological advancements as the largest and richest market and as the superpower. In order to continue dominating the field, it is important to foster the spirit of growth and advancement by providing youngsters with the right opportunities, research facilities and technological support.
Another aspect to give attention to is the decline in the number of graduates from traditional engineering courses like aeronautical, chemical, electrical, civil and mechanical engineering. Engineering subjects that deal with environment, infrastructure and related subjects are sidelined and preference is given to subjects dealing with high technology. Even if this is important enough, it should not be at the expense of traditional engineering.