Why is Academia-Industry Alignment Key to Future-Ready Infra

Chris Bradshaw, Chief Sustainability & Education Officer, Bentley systems in an interaction with  Higher Education Review shared his views on the importance of academia–industry alignment for preparing graduates for integrated planning and smart project execution, how closer industry collaboration can reduce the digital skills gap in infrastructure sectors, and more.

Chris Bradshaw is the Chief Sustainability & Education Officer at Bentley. He joined Bentley as Chief Marketing Officer and was previously Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Blue Prism Group, a London - based software company that specializes in robotic process automation. Chris also worked at Autodesk in a variety of leadership roles. Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University, and an MBA from Duke University.

Are universities updating engineering curricula fast enough to match the rise of digital twins in infrastructure delivery? Or is the industry evolving at a pace academia can’t keep up with?

Universities are trying to change and update the current engineering curriculum, but the pace of adaptation to the rise of digital twins in infrastructure delivery is uneven. Some universities have established digital tools and modern infrastructure ideas, but most of them are still lagging. The main issue is that academic institutions excel at imparting theoretical knowledge, but graduates are not exactly workforce-ready especially in digital technologies that are currently taking center stage in infrastructure developments.

To address this, there is a growing recognition within both academia and industry that curricula need to be more aligned with real-world requirements. This involves focusing more on digitization, digital twin, and practical skills. Agreements with the industry are necessary to have the students graduating with the skills and knowledge required to deliver infrastructure in the contemporary world and make them employment-ready on day one.

How critical is academia–industry alignment for preparing graduates for integrated planning and smart project execution? Can outdated coursework slowdown real-world infrastructure performance?

Collaboration between academia and industry must be increased, as this is the key to successful integration of planning and intelligent execution of infrastructure. Academics traditionally concentrate on teaching students the theoretical aspects of engineering such as design and construction processes. However, while these are vital, the industry comments that teaching just the theory is not enough. Infrastructure projects are executed under high standards and best practices and regulatory compliance that require practical skills.

With the shift to digital solutions in the industry, it is becoming more evident that students need to not only acquire knowledge of the engineering principles but also have the tools and knowledge at their disposal to create products that will meet the industry standards. This involves skills needed in project approvals, the permitting process, and communicating with other professionals involved in the project lifecycle.

The siloed nature of academic programs is one of the major challenges, as programs tend to teach only one principle at a time. Additionally, much of the coursework relies on outdated tools and processes. For example, the old practice of blueprint drawings is no longer in sync with current industry standards. Today, the focus is on workflows that enable smooth project management using digital platforms, making it easier to transition between design, construction, and, most importantly, operations.

Outdated coursework can hinder graduates' ability to quickly align with the demands of contemporary industry, potentially slowing down infrastructure performance when applied in the real world. To address this, it is essential to collaborate with academic institutions to revise curricula, emphasizing the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects and the use of digital tools. This alignment will ensure that future professionals are better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the infrastructure sector.

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How can closer industry collaboration reduce the digital skills gap in infrastructure sectors? Is co-developed curriculum the future of technical education?

Absolutely, closer industry collaboration is crucial for bridging the digital skills gap in infrastructure sectors. Creating partnerships between academia and industry is key to ensuring that students are well-prepared for the workforce upon graduation.

To achieve this, the industry must play an active role in shaping what is taught in academic institutions. By incorporating real-world insights and needs into the curriculum, we can ensure that students acquire practical skills that align with industry requirements.

This collaboration can be developed by the students by working on real-life projects. Instead of focusing on theory or speculative situations, the students must be involved in the contemporary issues and possibilities that the industry is grappling with. This hands-on experience allows them to apply what they learn in a practical setting and makes them more workforce-ready.

Are traditional engineering degrees aligned with data-driven infrastructure and intelligent asset ecosystems? What happens when academic theory doesn’t reflect delivery reality?

Traditional engineering degrees are not inherently misaligned with data-driven infrastructure and intelligent asset ecosystems. The challenge lies more in how engineering education is structured. Even though engineering degrees like structural and civil engineering will always be relevant, it's crucial to help students understand how their expertise may be applied in broader contexts. They must not only be trained in the technical knowledge required but also in understanding how their work integrates with and impacts the life cycle of assets and systems, especially those driven by data and smart technologies. Therefore, it's not just about redefining the degrees themselves, but about revising the curriculum to teach engineers the new requirements of modern infrastructure.

Should infrastructure companies play a direct role in shaping university programs and research priorities? Could this redefine workforce readiness in the next decade?

Infrastructure companies should certainly play an advisory role in shaping the university programs and research priorities, but the responsibility for developing curriculum and academic content should remain with academic institutions. Universities are primarily responsible for educating students, and that role should not be diluted. However, industry can significantly contribute by advising on the real-world application of theoretical knowledge, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with current industry needs.

Industry professionals would be the best partners in offering support to academia for developing and improving coursework, projects, and research initiatives. Practitioners, including hydrology engineers, structural engineers, and civil engineers, should also be invited into the classroom. This hands-on experience allows students to hear first-hand accounts of practical challenges and possibilities in the field, helping them understand the real-world relevance of their studies.

Furthermore, it's essential for students to grasp the value of infrastructure careers. Many professionals in the field take great pride in their work, such as providing clean water, building sanitation systems, or developing transportation infrastructure that makes cities more accessible. Highlighting the societal impact of infrastructure projects not only enriches the educational experience but also encourages students to pursue these vital career paths.