Changing Paradigms for Engineering

Societal expectations are influenced by advances in technology. Although it is nor a complete description, the major technological eras can be summarized into four groups: nomad independence; agrarian economy; industrial revolution; and information explosion. In a developed society, all these exist simultaneously. Later advancements are simply added options. With each change, it is apparent that the choices are greatly augmented. Nevertheless, not everyone will access the opportunities of the new paradigm because of ties to and dependence on the previous period. The author discusses the following aspects of the new paradigm for engineering: business life cycle and its extension; theory of technology; theory of economics; theory of information; limits on technology; shift of costs; people placement; and the future for technologists, education, and organisations.