Breaking through to new possibilities : Lessons in strategy from design engineering

Purpose – The paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The paper reveals that it is about time that engineers received a better press. Their numbers are dwindling because their profession is deemed to be un‐cool. Teenagers are heading off for careers in media, IT or politics or in all sorts of post‐industrial directions. Engineering is seen as difficult, as unattractive, and yet the growth of the global economy, supported by a construction boom and rapid advances in technology will fail through lack of skills to support it – to build and create and develop. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.