Innovative interdisciplinary models in engineering education: Transforming practices across global universities

Abstract

The growing complexities of global challenges necessitate a transformative shift in engineering education, prioritizing interdisciplinary collaboration. This study explores innovative interdisciplinary models implemented by leading universities worldwide, including three European universities (University College London [UCL], Delft University of Technology, Aalborg University), three American universities (Stanford University, Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT]), and three Canadian universities (University of Toronto, McMaster University, and University of Waterloo). It examines and synthesizes talent cultivation frameworks in interdisciplinary engineering education, highlighting key challenges and providing actionable insights. The study also investigates the structural and cultural changes required for effective implementation, focusing on the delicate balance between preserving disciplinary depth and promoting cross-disciplinary integration. Finally, it offers practical strategies centered on leadership, institutional culture, and project-based learning to enable universities to build interdisciplinary competencies and sustain global competitiveness.