Fostering Economic Development through Quality Engineering

In the ongoing discussion about the impact of the flattening world economy, Latin America is consistently neglected in the conversation. While economists and analysts focus attention on the rising influence of China, India, Korea, Taiwan, Ireland and elsewhere and their ability to compete in science, technology, and engineering, few have taken the time to consider the impact of truly global markets on Latin America. We see natural trade blocs forming around the world – in Asia, the Pacific Rim, Europe and the Middle East – comprised of formidable resources and top talent intent on effectively competing in today’s knowledge- based, global economy.

Seemingly lost in the shuffle, Latin America offers a unique opportunity for building a new model that fosters innovation and creates economic capacity. To this point, systemic problems have resulted in continuing failure to quickly address hemispheric issues collaboratively, which only serves to perpetuate the impression that Latin America is incapable of economic progress and establishing the collective will to participate. In fact, Latin America risks being forestalled from new opportunities unless the region catalyzes efforts to develop the human resources, credentialed against international standards, that are essential to compete.

Fortunately, there has been a growing realization at the highest levels of government, academia and industry that changes must occur and differences of the past can no longer be obstacles. Leadership from the region now sees a unique opportunity to transform the Americas from resource-based economies to knowledge-based economies. By building a “megacommunity”1 around the development of technical capacity – more specifically, around quality-assured engineering education – we can collaboratively create an economic model of growth and inclusion.

The Importance of Engineering Education
Why focus on engineering education? Engineering is a field of study uniquely positioned to enable organically created and sustainable economic growth. While traditional science creates new knowledge, engineers transform that knowledge into the tangible goods and services that can be bought and sold. Building engineering capacity meets the intersecting needs of multiple stakeholders, providing the broadest possible opportunities to improve the region’s economic vitality and security, mitigate poverty, foster community health and improve the long-term quality of life.

In November of 2004, the Organization of American States and industry partners convened ministers of science and technology and other high authorities from the Americas to consider quality engineering as a platform for sustainable growth. The Lima Declaration was signed endorsing the “Engineering for the Americas” (EftA) initiative. EftA is focused on building technical capacity in engineering across the Americas through systems of quality assurance, accreditation and educational reform, with the goals of attracting foreign investment, enhancing local business performance, and stimulating new business creation. One year later, with funds provided by the U.S. Trade Development Agency and corporate partners like Hewlett-Packard, Cemex, Microsoft, National Instruments, Boeing, and others, regional leaders from government, industry, academia and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) again convened to develop specific country plans for EftA during the OAS-hosted Lima Symposium.

EftA focuses on the creation of an internationally recognized engineering workforce that drives the creation of long-term, high-value jobs, which, in turn, drives capital inflow from global corporations and external development partners. Numerous studies have shown the direct link between the ascension of developed nations and their ability to build a strong ecosystem for invention and innovation. Commitment to technical education, publicly funded research, and business development has been the basis for success. Latin American leaders are now realizing that EftA is a critical step towards creating regional success in the knowledge-based economy.

The World Bank has identified four foundational components for building knowledge-based economies:

• Education: The most fundamental aspect of driving this economic transformation is a vibrant educational system. Countries must have educated and skilled populations in order to create, consume and share knowledge.
• Information Infrastructure: Countries must develop a dynamic communications network (from radio to Internet) in order to effectively share information and engage citizens.
• Economic Incentive and Institutional Regime: Governments must create a regulatory environment that enables the open flow of knowledge, encourages entrepreneurship and supports investment in information and communications technology.
• Innovation Systems: Internal networks of research centers, universities, think tanks, private enterprises and NGOs must develop in order to foster investment and encourage ongoing innovation.

It is important to note that infrastructure, incentives, and systems of innovation are moot without the presence of a well educated workforce. Today, this means development of engineers and technical expertise - EftA is focused on addressing this foundational need.

As part of implementing recommendations made at the 2005 Lima Symposium, the EftA Executive Committee is working with external partners on funding for pilot programs to begin achieving each of these components on a local basis. The first fruits of those efforts have recently come to pass, with the submission of a $1.5 million grant proposal to the Inter-American Development Bank’s Regional Public Good program for the building of engineering capacity in the Greater Caribbean. If awarded, this exciting project, initially sponsored by Panama, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, will organize engineering graduates of the Greater Caribbean under a regional accreditation system that ensures quality according to international standards.

Who Benefits?
EftA is an outcomes-based initiative, with an overall goal to create sustainable opportunity throughout the Americas. Working collaboratively across the EftA megacommunity enables each of the participating stakeholders to meet specific needs:

• Students: Quality education will ensure that engineering students of the Americas have a relevant educational experience and are able to access practical learning opportunities, gain global awareness, and experience the latest technologies. Curriculum will reflect the latest instructional content and standards according to recognized engineering accreditation processes and will provide confidence to employers and employees alike.
• Faculty: Engineering faculty will be able to create more relevant and meaningful learning environments for students. Stronger infrastructure and enhanced collaboration across country borders will help drive enhanced funding opportunities and professors will be able to leverage and market original research to external markets. Professional development will also prosper as universities provide more advanced technologies and reciprocal teaching programs.
• Government: Through the creation of a competitive workforce, countries will begin to expand their economic base and create new job opportunities. Building this stronger foundation will attract foreign capital and produce a stronger revenue base. Recurring and consistent revenues will elevate the standard of living through enhanced public investment and improved infrastructure.
• Industry: Focusing on education and infrastructure development will stimulate both local and multinational corporate development. Playing an active role in this process provides companies access to new markets and innovations, as well as exposure to untapped employment pools and the ability to shape curriculum. This culture of innovation will also drive enhanced corporate value.
• Society: On the broadest level, programs like EftA will foster sustainable economic growth and participation across a heretofore underrepresented region. Enhancing employment opportunities will help to democratize the regional distribution of wealth while increasing public safety.

EftA offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals and companies to participate in the development of Latin America. Engineers are THE national asset of creativity, whose value is expanded, multiplied, and enhanced by national commitment to participation in the global market. Properly trained and technically skilled engineers are the essential resources needed to compete in today’s knowledge economy, and our collective will, through collaborations like EftA, will determine the future success of our countries, our companies, and our people in today’s ever-flatter world.

Members of Americas Society and the Council of the Americas can help to ensure the continued ascension of Latin American in the global marketplace through participation, involvement, and investment in Engineering for the Americas. Whether it’s through individual participation (as a teacher, mentor, counselor or advisor) or corporate participation, a broader audience of people and companies who understand the urgent need for engineers and technical talent is critical to improving engineering education and developing a talented workforce throughout the Americas – steps that lead to competitiveness and global integration. Industry’s active and informed role in building this essential resource is vital to creating a new place for the Americas in today’s dynamic, global, knowledge-based world. For more information about Engineering for the Americas, please visit: www.efta.oas.org.
 

Wayne Johnson has served as Vice President of University Relations Worldwide for Hewlett- Packard since 2001. He previously managed global corporate/university engagement programs for Microsoft and Raytheon.

Dan Marcek is a member of HP University Relations and Chair of the Engineering for the Americas Executive Committee.

ABOUT VIEWPOINTS AMERICAS
ViewPoints Americas is a publication of the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas. It helps Council member companies achieve their business goals by stimulating thoughtful debate on the most pressing issues facing Latin America. The positions and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors or guest commentators and speakers and do not represent those of the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas or its members or the Board of Directors of either organization. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas.