The book finds that the next several decades will offer more opportunities for engineers, with exciting possibilities expected from nanotechnology, information technology, and bioengineering. Other engineering applications, such as transgenic food, technologies that affect personal privacy, and nuclear technologies, raise complex social and ethical challenges. Future engineers must be prepared to help the public consider and resolve these dilemmas along with challenges that will arise from new global competition, requiring thoughtful and concerted action if engineering in the United States is to retain its vibrancy and strength.
Table of Contents
Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Technological Context of Engineering Practice
2 Societal, Global, and Professional Contexts of Engineering
3 Aspirations for the Engineer of 2020
4 Attributes of Engineers in 2020
Epilogue
Appendix A: Scenarios
Appendix B: Workshop Attendees
Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members
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