Innovative engineering education for a better future

Abstract

    The world is now changing almost continuously and very rapidly. Multifaceted challenges are facing humanity. Great minds
have highlighted that you cannot solve problems on the same level of consciousness that created it. Better engineering is a
basis to give our planet and our people the best possible perspective. It can ensure a safer, more fair, healthier, more
efficient and peaceful future. To improve the world in a sustainable and an ethically responsible manner, future engineers
need the best possible education. Students should learn to develop and apply better technologies, and universities have a
responsibility to deliver them outstanding knowledge based on best possible methods. In the applied sciences know-how
should not only be generated and transferred within academic circles but should be primarily used in real life. Theory has to
be integrated with practice. In the classroom engineering students should be empowered to meet challenges in life, at the
working place and beyond. This paper introduces a innovative approach in engineering education based on the cases of
work-integrated study programs at the Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in Hainan, China.