Why We Need Engineers Now More Than Ever | Elanor Huntington | TEDxSydney

Summary

The speaker reminisces about childhood curiosity and the joy of discovery, using it as a springboard to redefine the image of an engineer. They highlight the creative problem-solving nature of engineering and its role in shaping society through technology. The script calls for a new wave of engineers to navigate the complex intersection of technology and society, emphasizing the need for a diverse and inclusive engineering workforce to address the challenges of our interconnected world.

Takeaways

• 🧒 Rediscovering the joy of discovery as a child can inspire a new perspective on engineering.
• 👩‍🔧 Engineers are creative problem solvers who use technology to make a difference in people's lives.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 The speaker grew up in a family of engineers but didn't initially recognize the creativity and impact of engineering.
• 🚀 The next wave of engineering will focus on the integration of technology with society, including the safe design and operation of complex systems.
• 💻 The new engineering discipline will involve a combination of computing, control engineering, anthropology, psychology, and design.
• 📉 There's a concerning trend of declining interest in engineering careers, particularly among women, which could impact future technological advancements.
• 🤖 The interaction between technology and society is evolving rapidly, and engineers play a crucial role in balancing opportunities with risks.
• 🚗 Technologies like ride-sharing services demonstrate how algorithms influence human behavior and interactions, highlighting the need for ethical and thoughtful design.
• 🌍 The future of engineering will require professionals who can navigate the complexity of interconnected technological and social systems.
• 🎨 Engineers don't have to choose between being creative and technical; they can use science and math to create meaningful solutions that serve people.

Q & A

What childhood experience does the speaker recall that sparked an interest in problem-solving?

The speaker recalls sitting next to a rock pool, looking at little critters inside, and trying to use waves to get a leaf from one side of a puddle to another.

How does the speaker describe their initial understanding of engineering?

The speaker's initial understanding of engineering was limited to crankshafts, gearboxes, and other mechanical components, which led them to choose science instead.

What does the speaker identify as the main motivation for engineers?

Engineers are motivated by making a difference in people's lives using technology, with science and maths being tools rather than the main focus.

What societal need does the speaker emphasize in relation to the future of engineering?

The speaker emphasizes the need for a new type of engineer who can balance technological opportunity with technological risk, particularly in the highly interconnected and technologically rich world we live in.

What statistics does the speaker provide about the engineering workforce in Australia?

The speaker mentions that Australian universities produce about three times as many scientists as can find employment and half as many engineers as needed. Less than 10% of young people take courses that lead to engineering, and fewer than 20% of engineers in Australia are women.

How does the speaker relate historical engineering disciplines to societal transformation?

The speaker explains that each major engineering discipline, such as civil, mechanical, aeronautical, and electrical engineering, profoundly interacted with society, leading to significant societal changes and giving rise to the next engineering discipline.

What example does the speaker use to illustrate the impact of algorithms on human interaction?

The speaker uses the example of Uber's surge pricing algorithm, which affects how people interact with the service and each other based on fluctuating prices.

What concern does the speaker raise about the future use of precise, real-time data?

The speaker is concerned about how precise, real-time data about our actions and interactions could lead to decisions being made that affect our behavior, potentially in ways that are not optional, such as with welfare payments or tax delivery.

What new engineering discipline does the speaker predict will emerge?

The speaker predicts the emergence of a new engineering discipline focused on the safe design and operation of systems composed of people, technology, and societal interactions, involving fields like computing, control engineering, anthropology, and psychology.

What call to action does the speaker give to the audience?

The speaker urges the audience to rethink their understanding of what an engineer is, to share this new perspective with others, and to encourage people to consider engineering as a way to creatively and positively impact the world.