Lack of technological innovators threatens Michigan

A sharp decline in engineering-school enrollments in Michigan will have an adverse effect on the state's economy and also threatens the long-term recovery of the nation's domestic auto industry.

Leo Hanifin, Dean of the College of Engineering & Science, noted that the United States is facing a crisis in the development of engineering talent.

"Forty-five percent or more of all Chinese college students currently study engineering compared to just 4.5 percent in the United States," he reported. "Nationally, low enrollments at engineering schools are tied to poor high-school preparation and low interest levels, especially among women and minorities."

Speaking in Traverse City at an Aug. 11 management seminar hosted by the Center for Automotive Research, Hanifin pointed out that studies indicate that 80 percent or more of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) comes from the introduction of new technologies, adding that "engineers are essential for technological innovation."

He said factors that will contribute to the nation's shrinking pool of engineering talent include:

• Massive retirements among "baby boomer" engineers,
• A general drop in the number of college-age students,
• Fewer foreign engineering students studying in the U.S.,
• Fewer foreign students choosing to remain here after graduation, and
• Increased global competition for technical talent.

"More and better-educated engineers are needed if our nation and its auto industry are to thrive or even survive," he said. "The problem of low engineering enrollments can only be solved by decisive action that includes changes in public policy and national programs, as well as increased collaboration within the educational community, government and the private sector."

Hanifin pointed out that UDM has been a leader in the development of collaborative programs such as the Product Development Leadership Coalition (PDLC) and the Michigan Ohio University Transportation Center (MIOH). The PDLC is a collaborative effort involving the Rochester Institute of Technology, MIT, U.S. Navy and six global corporations. Led by UDM, MIOH focuses on research and education in alternative fuels, intelligent transportation systems and supply-chain efficiency.

To remain competitive, major changes will be required at both a state and national level, Hanifin warned. "After our engineers and technological entrepreneurs are educated, we'll need to gather them in adequate numbers to concentrate their technical and creative capabilities in order to form 'engines for innovation' similar to what occurred several decades ago in California's Silicon Valley," he said.

"We've seen this phenomenon occur more recently in Bangalore, India; in Helsinki, Finland; in Dublin, Ireland, and in Singapore. We need to take similar initiatives here.

"The future of industries, economies and nations rests squarely on the shoulders of technological innovators. If we want a brighter future for our state and for our nation, we need to collaborate on aggressive programs and public policy to attract, educate and assemble those innovators."

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The University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest private Catholic University, offering approximately 100 majors and programs in 60 academic fields. Sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the University has three campuses located in downtown and northwest Detroit.

UDM was ranked among the top tier of Midwestern master's universities in U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" – 2009 edition.  UDM was also rated one of the top 15 institutions in the "Great Schools, Great Prices" category.

Publish date: August 12, 2008