Innovation as Part of Electrical Engineers Education

Unprecedented dynamics of the development of electronics could be easily tracked by comparing market figures for electronics versus steel, chemical and automotive industries in US and across the world. The multifaceted nature of semiconductor technology is clearly visible. Spinoff of such products as solar cells, Micro Electronic Machines, where electric motors of 3 microns in diameter are produced on silicon chip, biological sensors capable to monitor about 26 parameters of human body and extremely intelligent robots, these are based on already existing and future subfields of electronics. We would like to underline that the major factor, which made success of semiconductor electronics possible is the human factor, i.e., existence and participation of highly qualified electronic engineers and scientists. We examine how our electrical engineering education programs teach creativity and innovation. We suggest the ways of how can an innovation theory and practice be integrated into a very full engineering curriculum, so the electronic engineers graduating today, continue to create and innovate. This article examines engineering education trends at University of Massachusetts that reflect a growing commitment to assuring 21st century engineers have the knowledge and skills required to develop innovative technologies and products.