Articles
There are two fundamental problems faced by the world today – global warming and depletion of natural resources. And both of those challenges can only be solved through technological innovation. That is why it is absolutely imperative that we encourage young people in the UK to opt for a career in engineering.
Only if we have the necessary numbers of young engineers coming into the profession will we be able to tackle the key issues that we face as a society.
Engineering lies at the heart of it all. It is, for example, the means by which we will find innovative and energy-efficient ways to generate electricity to heat our homes and power our cars. It is also engineers who will find long-term solutions to many of the pressing ecological problems, such as halting global warming, reducing CO2 emissions and cutting our dependence on fossil fuels.
Undoubtedly, technology has played a pivotal role in providing long-term environmental solutions. For example, a modern gas-fired condensing boiler can cut energy consumption by up to 50% compared to older-generation boilers. If homes started using solar energy to generate as much electricity and heating as possible, then one day every home around the world could become self-sufficient.
And here’s another example: just 15 years ago, a washing machine needed 13 litres of water to wash 1kg of laundry. Now, it needs only 7 litres. All these advances have been made possible by the wonders of engineering development and innovation.
Engineers are making a difference in other areas, too. Recently, the United Nations agreed that 2011-20 would be the global Decade of Action for Road Safety. In the face of this, engineers around the world are working tirelessly on “intelligent cars” to make our vehicles safer.
The optical and acoustic systems that offer warning lights, displays and audible signals to draw the driver’s attention to potentially dangerous situations demonstrate how important the role of engineering is in modern society.
Ever since its inception 125 years ago, Bosch has been driven by engineering and innovation. Our 3,800 patent applications in 2010 equate to 15 a day – that shows how technological innovation is the life-blood of our multinational company.
This year, the Bosch Group intends to invest more than €7 billion to lead the way in future technologies. More than €4 billion of this will go into research and development. Crucially, 45% of the R&D spend is normally focused on products that conserve resources and protect the environment.
As a result of our continued investment in technological innovations and R&D, Bosch is rebounding quicker than expected after the recession. And in 2011 we plan to continue to expand on the back of our culture of innovations and new technology.
Bosch recognises that talent and engineering minds are the main driving force behind the company’s pioneering position. To further build on that, we have launched a major recruitment drive. In 2011, the company is looking to hire more than 9,000 qualified specialists worldwide, including over 200 in the UK.
We have a great demand for highly qualified and motivated young people to work with us on cutting-edge technology and innovation projects.
Our main task is to provide technological answers to the great challenges that lie ahead. And that is why in the future we want to make renewable energy more cost-effective and mobility even safer, cleaner and more economical. We also want to launch products that protect the environment and conserve resources.
To achieve this, engineering will continue to be at the heart of everything Bosch does.