System analysis of engineering activity and engineering education in the modern economic system

the article is dedicated to the analysis of modern engineering activities. It considers its features characteristic of the transitional period to a new economic system and the consequences regarding the requirements for engineering specialists. The evolution of engineering activities in different historical periods is described. It is noted that two centuries ago, engineers acquired the basics of their craft exclusively through working as assistants to masters. Since the beginning of the last century, the engineering system has undergone fundamental changes associated with the widespread use of computer systems and digital technologies. The second half of the 20th century and the first quarter of the 21st century were marked by significant changes in the production of material goods, affecting all stages from concept to product support. The main aspect of these transformations was the use of automated computer systems and digital technologies at all stages. The process of changing the economic structure, in which the role of man in the production of material goods is decreasing, and the importance of digital technologies is increasing. The process of changing the economic system, in which the role of humans in the production of material goods is decreasing, while the importance of digital technologies is increasing. Modern economic changes indicate a shift in the economic system, where human participation in the production of material goods is shifting towards creation and management based on rapidly developing digital and information technologies. The change in the functional load of production participants has led to qualitative changes in engineering activities, where new methods, means, and opportunities prevail. Qualitative changes in modern engineering activities require corresponding changes in engineering education, which cannot be limited to gradual modification and require fundamental modernization.

engineering activity, engineering education, engineering knowledge, engineering thinking, engineering pedagogy, infosphere, informatization, information technologies