How is disruption impacting the engineering industry?

Disruption. That word is everywhere. You can’t escape it. But what does it mean? And how’s it impacting upon the engineering industry?

Some truly amazing developments are re-shaping the way we build, create and sustain our environment.

And no business or sector can afford to stand still.

We’ve looked at:

• What disruption looks like.
• The new technologies transforming construction and civil engineering.
• Adapting to change and the skills required.

The Grand Challenges in engineering

To sustain life as we know it we need skilled engineers. In a previous blog we highlighted the investment required in America’s infrastructure.

But that’s the tip of the iceberg.

Developing clean energy solutions, re-thinking the way our cities work, protecting institutions from cyber attacks and feeding a growing global population are just some of what’s been described as the ‘grand challenges in engineering’.

And in meeting these head-on, disruptive technologies are coming to the fore.

Disruption in construction and civil engineering

The traditionally conservative construction industry is ripe for technology disruption and there are signs that this transformation is taking shape.

The advent of 3D Printing allows us to construct quicker than ever before. US firm Icon showcased their capabilities when building a 3D printed house in less than a day.

Elsewhere, Drones are being used to capture vast amounts of survey data to aid with decision making and planning.  

Civil engineering is undergoing similar changes. The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly changing the way we design and interact with buildings.

John Eddy, leader of Arup San Francisco’s Infrastructure Practice has said: “In this future, infrastructure will become interactive and “talk back to us”. With data streaming through the Internet of Things (IoT) enabled by the cloud, engineers will be able to capture stressors, strains, and severe loads on overall structural integrity and critical members.“

The skills you need to drive change

Technological advances won’t replace human expertise, they’ll merely supplement it and create greater efficiencies.

However, this transformation requires engineers to adapt to this ever-changing environment.

Working in the age of disruption has created greater emphasis on the way projects are led, how people collaborate and how we interpret the mountain of data we have access to.

To truly drive change, engineering organizations need:

• Navigating Industry 4.0 requires individuals capable of aligning company and digital strategies. Alongside this should be a focus on developing and attracting new skills into the business.
• People managers. Engineers have always had to be great collaborators in order to complete large projects. And advances in digital and information sharing have further highlighted the need for strong communicators with the ability to interact well with a broad range of technical and non-technical colleagues.  
• Analysts and problem solvers. The advent of Big Data means we can mine huge amounts of information. But what data is most impactful? Engineers need to be trained in interpreting and using data to make decisions, or else utilize skills available outside of the sector.
• Creative thinkers. With machines taking over an increasingly number of tasks there will be more free time to think outside the box. Engineering needs bold creatives, capable of finding new solutions to local and global challenges.

Is your organization equipped for the disruptive landscape? Give me a call on +1 786 8704240 or email liam.murray@bps-world.com to find out how we can help you source the skills you need.