The world has witnessed major disruptions at all points of time, many of them leaving long-term consequences. On a broader level, societies and institutions have evolved different ways of addressing them. And resilient institutions don’t just survive; they thrive in adversity. This resilience should be seen as the ability to deal with such challenges, withstand shocks and continuously adapt.
As our current times are increasingly being defined by the interplay of complex disruptions, with their disparate origins and long-term consequences, this is where we recognize the vital role engineers play in shaping our world. They evolve themselves to suit the new environment, with disruptive leaders leading the charge and driving the change to meet new challenges.
The progress in new-age technology – artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality, the emergence of the Metaverse, cloud, and more – is largely due to the unending pursuit of changing the world. And its impact is there for all to see and experience.
In short, it underscores the universal impact of engineering in creating a sustainable and resilient future for all, highlighting the imperative of leveraging emerging technologies to address global challenges. And it is also an opportunity for us to celebrate engineering and the vital role it plays in delivering sustainable development across the world, as well as champion the next generation of innovators.
Crises and disruptions expose weaknesses, separating the resilient from the unprepared. Resilient companies tend to generate greater value than lesser resilient peers across the entire lifecycle of major economic shocks. And few professionals contribute more deeply than engineers; it’s their “resilience framework” that usually provides space for thoughtful decision-making. This is what ultimately serves the broader goal of sustainable, inclusive growth.
