Graduate Professional Education of Engineers in Industry for Innovation and Technology Leadership

Innovation and the development of technology are recognized worldwide as the driving force for competitiveness and economic prosperity. Without diminishing the importance of scientific research, it is now evident that innovation and the development of technology constitute primarily a needs-driven creative professional practice which requires engineering leadership. Experience shows that developing technology and engineers simultaneously is a very effective way of increasing industry's capacity to innovate effectively. In order to contribute most effectively to industrial innovation and the creation of wealth, graduate engineers need to develop their practical and leadership skills as well as their technical knowledge and theoretical understanding throughout their careers. This requires an educational approach driven by the satisfaction of real industrial needs which is commensurate with the professional dimensions of engineering leadership.