A service science perspective to develop engineering systems professionals

This paper proposes a contribution to rethinking engineering education systems with the purpose to develop professionals able to face the challenges posed by breakthrough technology changes in the 21st century. In particular, the article is based on the analysis of major transformations in the engineering scenario and the authors’ direct experience in the design and management of innovative learning systems in the business engineering field. Three key aspects are here focused and discussed: a) the development of open systems aimed to address big engineering problems as triggers of learning; b) the identification of competencies, skills and creative attitudes characterizing a new professional archetype; c) the creation of motivating and stimulating learning environments conceived as incubators of interdisciplinary knowledge, creativity and innovation capabilities. The need to identify an integrated approach brings to consider service science as a comprehensive and interdisciplinary framework with the aim to propose an integrated perspective to develop engineering system professionals.