The world needs SAVVY ENGINEERS.
Creativity breeds originality. That was one of the realizations of a research presented in the conference which might have somehow set a direction to what could be a conclusion-statement for the 2nd International GCOE-Energy Forum held last December 12 – 17, 2009 at Renaissance Resort Okinawa. This was indeed an original, one of a kind, energy forum as the theme of the main panel discussions tried to identify the commonalities between the engineering approach with the social sciences approach towards the realization of green technologies.
There were several technical sessions through the course of the conference focusing on technologies such as solar, fuel-cells, combustion, and materials research for renewable energies. These are indeed the technologies that would shape the way for renewable energies in the near and far future; not to mention that these cutting-edge researches were presented by students from the top universities in the world. While this great battle to advance technologically in the name of sustainability unfolds, a similar battle also brews on the sides – a social aspect of sustainable energies progress. The global summit in Copenhagen, which simultaneously took place with this conference, epitomizes the dire need for a more holistic approach towards the solution-finding for this energy and environmental challenge we have today. We definitely cannot just muscle our way into the future using engineering knowledge alone. As Frank Schwalba-Hoth puts it, “it takes political will to realize renewable energies for a country…” The social and political aspects are indeed essential and must not only translate to the people receiving the technology but also, and even more importantly, dig deep into the hearts and minds of the engineers developing the technologies. Perhaps the Okinawa09 conference resulted similarly to the COP15 negotiations, where no clear cut measurable conclusions could be drawn. There are, however, essential realizations we could ponder and accept. In the technological perspective, there is no single solution for the challenges of energy and environment. No “bang-bang” solutions here. It would involve the development of the many solutions and options there are to address our challenges today. In the socio-political aspect, there are also several hurdles we need to overcome; perhaps these are even greater than the technological hurdles at present.
Going back, however, to statement “creativity breeds originality”, we may realize a wonderful approach we can bring forth. That is, if conventional solutions aren’t working for us, we would need new and innovative solutions to these problems at hand; original ideas that may somehow accelerate the renewable energy promulgation. One concrete idea may be use to use arts to deliver the message of the need for environment care and renewable energy revolution. As one keynote speaker emphasized, “happy energy”! It may be interesting to see if engineers started using more artistic ways of delivering their technological ideas to the masses; it may somehow have better impact and participation. Instead of painting a grim picture of the future if we do not change, scientists could perhaps draw how happy and stress-free a sustainable future would be like if we did choose it to be. Creative and innovative ideas could also stem from old ideas. Holistic or multi-disciplinary approach in solutions-finding could, for example, be outfitted with a more marketable term for its promulgators. What do you think about the term, “Savvy Engineers?” Is it just a mere play of words or could they really make a difference for the future? What are they anyway? Read on…
And so, the Okinawan sun was just beautiful. That five-day escape to paradise did enhance a more creative side of the participants as nature showed lavishly its fruits; emphasizing the importance of preserving it for the future. I could only summarize in one word the wonderful service and package the conference organizers prepared for the guests; savvy. In the beginning of the conference, each participant was handed a Club Savvy membership card. With this card, one could use almost all amenities in the resort for free; food buffets, spas, scuba-diving, and boat trips to name a few. This card just seemed to give you access to anything around that little island. Unlimited perks were at your own fingertips. I`ll just let you imagine how wonderful that five days were with the savvy card. What I would like to emphasize, however, is the concept of being savvy. Savvy in essence means wise and knowledgeable. Knowledge takes you to opportune places and allows you to unlock the hidden treasures the world brings. Savviness makes a person deal well with many kinds of people, places and things. With an apparent lack of political momentum despite technological advances for renewable energies, perhaps savvy engineers are what the world needs. Engineers are of course naturally savvy and specialized, in their own fields at least. What we are after, however, are holistic engineers, savvy in many aspects; addressing the much needed integration of social science and engineering perspective. Sounds like an old idea, but like energy, ideas too are renewable. This is with the hope that our new breed of engineers is more efficient and determined to solve global challenges. Given that, I`d like to restart our journey towards renewable energies realization with our renewed engineers equation: Social Science + Engineering Knowledge = holistic + specialized = Savvy Engineer.
Coming to think of it, this conference was already holistic by itself. It allowed both a technical and a social integration and exposure for the attending engineers. There was a good sense of community among energy knowledgeable people. And again we do need to go for a more holistic approach in addressing our energy needs. I do hope we can find more savvy engineers around; let us hope we even become one. Savvy engineers; creating innovative solutions and undertaking positions in society that make a difference.
