In today’s digital world of Industry 4.0, highly prepared systems engineering graduates are in greater demand than ever before.  Today’s guest understands how optimized relationships between academia and industry are an essential component of successfully preparing the next generation. Thom Singer and Craig Brown are joined by Pawley Professor of Lean Studies and Chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Oakland University Robert Van Til to discuss the critical role of industry and academia partnerships in today’s digital world. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

 

Why academia must lean toward relevance in today’s digital world

• A focus on industry trends is an essential first step into the digital world. 
• The vast majority of engineer graduates will work in industry positions. 
• Understanding the role of systems engineering is vital to industry progress. 

• The intersection of industrial and systems engineering bridges many complex domains.

 

Embracing Industry 4.0 in academia

• There is an increasing need for a focus on training students in today’s available tools. 
• There are more tools available than ever before to help take advantage of the myriad of data. 
• Academia needs to develop opportunities for training students before they graduate into the industry. 
• Bridging academic silos has countless benefits in systems engineering. 

 

A look at the future of the industry

• Over the next 5 to 10 years academia needs to embed industry tools and methods into their classrooms. 
• Academia and industry need to work together to collaborate on relevant projects. 
• Students need opportunities to gain real-time problem experience in companies. 
• Graduates who are more thoroughly trained are in greater demand. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.