How Can Engineers Get More Involved in Public Policy

Development?

Professional Engineers and Geoscientists

Newfoundland and Labrador

Annual Conference and AGM

June 8, 2012

Donald Wallace, PhD

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The time has arrived when engineers will have to venture out from the shelter and comfort of the Ivory Tower and enter the arena of boiling controversy, real-world debate, and −brace yourselves− politics. It is no longer viable to place our high-tech candle under a bushel, for at best we will find ourselves in darkness and at worst our bushel will go up in flames.… Engineers must become as adept in dealing with societal and political forces as they are with gravitational and electromagnetic forces.

Norman Augustine

former CEO of Lockheed Martin

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Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won’t take an interest in you.

Pericles

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Doctors bury their mistakes, engineers build monuments to theirs

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Engineer’s obligationprotect public interest prevent any situation that might cause harm to public

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Role of engineersEngineering impacts health and vitality of Canada, perhaps more than any other profession

business competitiveness open planning processes environmental regulations elevated community expectations greater responsibility placed on those

executing projects

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What is public policy?

Public policy [is] a fascinating yet complex interplay of diverse interests and power relationships that brings together various actors with multiple perspectives in a quest to achieve something resembling a common objective.

Andrew Colombo and Brian Karney

University of Toronto

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Engineers and public policy indirect connections/haphazard engagement have said too little about key developments policy debate ceded to economists, lawyers,

environmentalists as a consequence, public policy designed

without adequate recognition of the technical requirements for success

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History engineers involved in public policy for decades input, participation often misunderstood,

undervalued collective approaches have been random, ad hoc

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Policy skills help engineers to become opportunity finders, problem solvers to be seen as go-to professionals for public policy

insights to promote hard-wired link between infrastructure,

technology, quality of life

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The challenge inform public about importance of science and

technology be more visible and vocal promote value, application, contribution and

investment of science and technology communicate more frequently, clearly and

proactively

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Beyond the traditional initiate, communicate, negotiate, participate engineers can be more vocal in public policy

forums lead and implement change, improve quality of

life become opportunity finders, problem solvers engineers can be seen as go-to professionals for

public policy insights

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Engineers Not at the Table how many Canadian CEOs are engineers? how many MHAs are engineers? how many ministers? how many deputy ministers?

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Canadian engineers in politics Gary Filmon, Manitoba premier, 1988-99 Marc Garneau, MP, Westmount-Ville Marie, 2007- Harvie André, MP, Calgary Centre 1972-93;

cabinet minister Jack Davis, MP, Coast-Capilano/Capilano 1962-

74; cabinet minister; MLA, North Vancouver-Seymour 1975-78, 1979-91

Frank Miller, Ontario premier, 1975; MPP, Muskoka, 1972-85; cabinet minister

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Engineers on the world stage

…plus eight of the nine

members of China’s

Politburo standing committee

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Why don’t engineers become leaders?education emphasizes technical, not broader skillsuntil late 20th century, engineering projects local in naturespeed of technological change may impede career transition (don’t other professionals, such as doctors, encounter the same challenges to becoming leaders?)engineers’ public interest role unclear to public, engineersengineers solutions-oriented; government all about process

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Engineer stereotype: nerds, socially awkward

Somewhat fantastic brotherhood of over-specialized cranks, not to be trusted out of sight except under the restraining hand of safe and sane businessmen.

Thomas Veblen

Economist

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Why engineers sometimes get a bad rep

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Examples paid or voluntary providing expert testimony in legal matters serving on technical advisory committees participating in public enquiries working with community, interest or advocacy

groups

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Current/emerging challenges world population almost 8 billion by 2020 greatest population surge slated for Asia, Africa increased aging populations in developed

countries changing demographics global economic pressures outsourcing of engineering jobs

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More challenges… more emphasis on interdisciplinary, system-based

approaches technology integrated into infrastructure, everyday

life serious decline of infrastructure greater regulation of natural resources and the

environment increased global energy demands dwindling traditional energy supplies

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“Technology: Engineers and scientists will be highly coveted to develop novel computer software and green energy systems, and revamp dated infrastructure. New high-tech products can increase U.S. exports to burgeoning global markets.”

Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2010

Price Waterhouse Coopers and Urban Land Institute

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Carry the leadership torch

help ensure that engineer’s duty to protect is fulfilled

share engineering expertise and experience

have greater say in direction, content and scope of policy decisions

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