The economics–engineering nexus: response to the commentaries

Abstract

This paper contributes to the debate on the relationship between economics and engineering that was opened in a previous article by the author and the comments made on the subject by other scholars, all published in the 4/2021 Issue of the Journal. It discusses the knowledge advancement and problem-solving opportunities offered by the interaction and cross-fertilization that occurs between the two disciplines. It claims that the distance between the epistemology and mentality of fundamental branches of economics and engineering is narrowing, thereby allowing a fruitful knowledge collaboration. An alliance between independent peers is the best form of governance to exploit the potentialities inherent to the relationship, as an alternative to both “economic imperialism” and “reverse imperialism”. Relatedly, the paper delves into the role of economic complexity and artificial intelligence in pushing this paradigm shift of the economics–engineering nexus, and it re-discusses the meaning and content of transdisciplinarity in the context of such an alliance. Finally, the paper expresses the hope that these topics will become a matter of debate in a widespread community of scholars.