Joel Orr's World

In a Financial Times (5/15, Browne) column, Lord Browne, president of the British Royal Academy of Engineering, argues that "engineers have a unique set of skills and perspectives that should be used to create a better future." Referring to the Model T Ford., which "went into mass production" 100 years ago, Browne writes, "Engineers do not just build better cars, houses or mobile phone networks," they also "change the way we travel, the way we live, [and] how we communicate with one another."

Furthermore, "[t]he complex nature of engineering challenges means that engineers" need to engage more "with communities, politics, economic realities and environmental considerations." Browne concludes, "We must all work to ensure that the public...understand[s] the dynamic role of the professional engineer in shaping the future of society," and "must prepare students for real-world problems."