Research Article
May 1977
Innovation and the Changing Role of the Engineer
Authors: W. James King and Donald McDonald, F.ASCEAuthor Affiliations
Publication: Transportation Engineering Journal of ASCE
Volume 103, Issue 3
Abstract
Innovation has two aspects: (1)Material, which results in the introduction of new products or processes; and (2)theoretical, which results in new methodology. Both aspects of innovation are examined with reference to civil engineers in the aerospace industry, and the design of aircraft. It is shown, by referring to a number of econometric analyses, that material innovation obtained through research and development has contributed greatly to American economic growth. Historical examination of the finite element method of structural engineering, which arose in the aerospace industry, raises some important questions about the future role of engineers. In particular, whether or not the engineer, through his use of the computer, may indeed be moving into some of the traditional fields of activity of the scientist, as the preceding historical analysis would seem to indicate, and if such forecasting should prove to be valid, whether this will influence the future education of the engineer.
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Information
Published In
Transportation Engineering Journal of ASCE
Volume 103 • Issue 3 • May 1977
Pages: 409 - 419
Copyright
© 1977 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: May 1977
Published online: Feb 5, 2021
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Authors
Affiliations
W. James King
Assoc. Prof. of History; Texas A&M Univ., College Station, Tex.
Donald McDonald, F.ASCE
Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Texas A&M Univ., College Station, Tex.
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.