IN order for our industry to stabilise and progress, despite the ongoing economic difficulties, an innovative approach is required, and innovation is to be encouraged.
As professional problem solvers, when presented with a brief we shouldn’t be content to say “we can do it” or, perhaps more often, “we can’t do it for that budget”! Instead, we should look for the opportunity to say “we can do it better”.
The meaning of innovation is not necessarily the same to everyone. The most obvious meaning of “new ideas” may not always involve reinventing the wheel.
It could be the application of existing ideas in new ways to bring added value to a project.
Equally, it could mean that “eureka” moment, where you realise that the study, design or construction you are working on can be bettered.
Perhaps this could bring cost savings through efficiency, shorter timescales, the use of more cost-effective materials, improved “buildability”, or project safety.
I am a firm believer that learning never stops, particularly if you are in a profession as dynamic as civil engineering, where ongoing learning is the key to making sure that you are up to date with the latest developments in the industry.
As engineers, we shouldn’t see this as a chore. This should almost become second nature – to look to continually learn and develop as individuals.
My personal feeling is that, as an industry, we should be continuing to welcome opportunities to share our knowledge, to understand each others’ solutions to problems, to publicise and share our innovative ideas.
Clients might say: “We don’t mind an innovative approach – but has somebody done it before?” If best practice and innovation is shared more freely, then perhaps they would be aware of somebody else who has done it before!
Since the Institution of Civil Engineers was founded nearly two centuries ago in 1818, the industry has changed significantly as technology has advanced through innovative thinking, demonstrating a proven track record of adapting to change.
It is this type of resilience that we need to bring to the fore again.
To quote something a friend of mine included in the written section of her professional review: “The innovation of today is tomorrow’s accepted practice.”
For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East, please contact chief executive, Catriona Lingwood, on 0191 374 0233 or catriona@cene.org.uk
Alison Mee, graduate engineer at Mott MacDonald and chairwoman of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East Graduates & Students Committee