Engineers Don't Make Things

An Essay on Design and Innovation

The essay "Design and Innovation: Engineers Do Not Make Things" () explores and reflects on the recent evolution in the ways that humanity envisions engineers will contribute substantial value to our world. It highlights the tectonic shift away from the early 2000s, bygone, era of "Chief Tinkering Officers" that was shoe-horned into engineering education by misguided, though well-meaning, ideas from the "Design Thinking" and "Maker" movements.

Background: In 2022, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development began compiling essays on entrepreneurship in the UAE that eventually resulted in the publication of "Entrepreneur's Journey" (∞) that is available from the Abu Dhabi SME (Small & Medium Enterprise) Hub. The full text is available for download: "Entrepreneur's Journey: An Early Stage Guide For Abu Dhabi" ()