oa Improving human capital through engineering and entrepreneurship

Whether the goal is to solve the grand challenges established by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), or it is to address the developmental road blocks plaguing less economically developed countries (LEDC), engineers must be able to work together to help improve the quality of life for people all over the world. One of the primary focuses of this paper is to explore how engineers can incorporate innovation and entrepreneurship in order to elevate the living conditions for many people in developing countries.

Due to the lack of investments in LEDC, much of the world is still trapped in poverty. These low levels of investments lead to minimal infrastructure building, meaning inadequate roads, schools, or hospitals. As a result, we have a population that is less productive, uneducated, and unhealthy—bringing us back to the reason why few invest in LEDC. As engineers, entrepreneurs, and educators, it is our job to promote sustainable solutions to infrastructural black holes. We must do this by enticing investors to these regions through high-yielding startups, high levels of education, sustainability, and global partnerships.

Through a variety of programs established by entrepreneurs and engineers, we can help facilitate new entrepreneurial ecosystems in various regions around the world. As Rwandan President Kagame puts it: “entrepreneurship is the most sure way of development.” By assisting in the maturation of technologically-driven entrepreneurship ecosystems and advocating for policy change, we will be able to stimulate significant infrastructure investments. By addressing deficiencies in the various markers highlighted by this comprehensive analysis, LEDC will be able to cultivate long-run sustainable growth.