Academic Papers

"Getting the Numbers Right: International Engineering Education in the United States, China, and India"

Gary Gereffi (Duke University), Vivek Wadhwa (Duke University - Pratt School of Engineering), Ben Rissing (Harvard Law School - Labor and Worklife Program; Duke University - Pratt School of Engineering), Ryan Ong (Duke University - Department of Sociology)

Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 97, No. 1, pp. 13-25, 2008

Vivek Wadhwa, Wertheim Fellow at Harvard Law School and executive in residence at Duke University. He is a tech entrepreneur who founded two technology companies.

Abstract
This article challenges the commonly cited statistics for engineering graduates in the United States, China, and India. Our research shows that the gap between the number of engineers and related technology specialists produced in the United States versus those in India and China is smaller than previously reported, and the United States remains a leading source of high-quality global engineering talent. Furthermore, engineering graduates in China and India face the prospect of substantial unemployment, despite high corporate demand for their services; this raises questions about the quality of recent graduates. The United States, however, also confronts problems in its continued ability to attract and retain top engineering talent from abroad because of visa uncertainties and growing economic opportunities in their countries of origin. We argue that the key issue in engineering education should be the quality of graduates, not just the quantity, since quality factors have the biggest impact on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Which Side of the Coin? The Regional Governance of Science and Innovation

Authors: Knut Koschatzky^a; Henning Kroll^a

a. Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research Breslauer Strasse 48, Karlsruhe, Germany

Abstract
Koschatzky K., Kroll H. (2007) Which side of the coin? The regional governance of science and innovation, Regional Studies 41, 1115-1127. The paper deals with the impact of recent trends in the devolution of political powers in science, technology and innovation policies. It argues that some problems are associated with this regionalization because the emerging multi-level governance structures turn political action into a complex bargaining process between actor groups with partially conflicting interests. The paper sketches the theoretical potentials and limitations of science, technology and innovation policy designed at the regional level. Based on regional evidence from the German federal system, it demonstrates which policy aspects are suitable for devolution to regional governments and how they can be integrated in multi-level governance structures.

Social Cognitive Predictors of Interest in Environmental Science: Recommendations for Environmental Educators

Julie L. Quimby ^A1, Nazar D. Seyala ^A2, Jane L. Wolfson ^A3

A1 The graduate programs in counseling psychology, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252
A2 Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306
A3 The environmental science and studies programs and professor of biological sciences, Towson University

Abstract
The authors examined the influence of social cognitive variables on students´ interest in environmental science careers and investigated differences between White and ethnic minority students on several career-related variables. The sample consisted of 161 undergraduate science majors (124 White students, 37 ethnic minority students). Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses found self-efficacy, outcome expectations, role model influence, perceived supports and barriers, and environmental concerns contributed significant variance to the prediction of these students´ interest in environmental science. When compared with White students, ethnic minority students perceived greater barriers to pursuing a career in environmental science, exhibited less concern about environmental problems, and had less interest in environmental science. The authors highlight implications for environmental educators who are in a position to increase diversity within the field.

Innovation in engineering education based on the implementation of e-education

Authors: Maltilda Drozdova ^a; Milan Dado ^a

a. Faculty of Management Science and Informatics, The University of Zilina, Slovakia European Journal of Engineering Education, Volume 32, Issue 2 May 2007 , pages 193 - 201

Abstract

This article explores issues relating to innovation in engineering education arising from the implementation of e-education. This can be correlated with innovation in general. We describe a systematic approach to innovative design and utilise this approach in engineering education. The main emphasis is on the presentation of attitudes, approaches and the outcomes resulting from the experiences at the University of Zilina, within the project "Using of ICT and new generation networks platform in education". This project was carried out over the past three years within the framework of the state research and development program.