Exploring Research and Innovation in Engineering Education: The Case of a South African University

Abstract

There has been increase in the global population and this comes with the need to have a rethink to sustain economic growth. Research and innovation is an identified avenue which encompasses several fields of science and technology, such as engineering, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. This study explored research and innovation in engineering education using a South African University as a case study. University of Pretoria was chosen for the case study because this institution ranks highly among others in engineering discipline. Findings from the study reveal that in a world shaped by a high degree of complexity, fluidity and uncertainty, there is a dire need for research and innovation.. To explore Research and innovation in engineering education at this university, data was gathered using the right keywords, and a total of 57 thesis and dissertation were downloaded and categorized for this study. The categorization was done using keywords and concepts in the research topics to ensure uniformity. From the categorization, seven themes were drawn which are project management, intelligence and leadership, emerging technologies in pedagogy, engineering systems and product design, heat and energy, innovation and knowledge, entrepreneurship and career. The study concludes that increasing investment in research innovation remains a vital option to ensure growth and economic increase. Thus, creating a conducive atmosphere for the conduct of the discipline and increasing funding for research and development along that line is paramount.