The Half-Life of Knowledge in Engineering: A Personal Reflection

The Half-Life of Knowledge in Engineering: A Personal Reflection

When I graduated from IIT Kharagpur in 1965 in Electrical Engineering, the landscape of engineering was vastly different from what it is today. The fundamental principles we learned, such as Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Law, and Fleming’s Thumb Rule, remain constants in the field. However, the applications and technologies built on these principles have undergone a sea change. Reflecting on this evolution, I realize that the half-life of our technical knowledge—the period after which half of what we have learned becomes obsolete—is a critical concept to grasp in our ever-advancing field.

During my college days, much of what we studied served to broaden our vision rather than prepare us for the specific technologies we would encounter in our careers. In the 1960s, materials science was in its nascent stage, and many of the high-strength, lightweight metals we take for granted today were still under development. The equipment we used—motors, switchgears, and generators—have since evolved dramatically, driven by innovations in materials and manufacturing processes.

The rapid pace of technological advancement, particularly with the advent of computers and artificial intelligence, means that the knowledge acquired by today’s engineering graduates will have a much shorter half-life than mine did. The only viable solution is continuous learning and knowledge upgrading. Alvin Toffler, in the 1960s, foresaw this acceleration, predicting that the time from concept to production would shrink dramatically in his best selling book "The future shock". His prediction has come true, with product development cycles now measured in months rather than years.

A striking example of this rapid obsolescence can be seen in the automotive industry. Australia, once a car manufacturing hub, ceased its car production when it couldn't compete with cheaper, more efficient Japanese models. I once met an Australian industrialist who manufactured windshields and rear-view mirrors. His business, once thriving, went bust under the onslaught of cheaper Chinese imports. This stark reality highlights the risks associated with setting up a manufacturing plant in today’s competitive global market. The danger of obsolescence is ever-present, as competitors can quickly emerge with cheaper or more efficient alternatives.

In my career, I have seen the transformative impact of these technological advancements firsthand. Working at the Barauni Refinery of Indian Oil, I witnessed the transition from an old Russian-built refinery to a new digital process. This change was so profound that it required a complete overhaul of the workforce, with older employees taking voluntary retirement and new, tech-savvy staff being brought in. It was a hard decision, but one that was necessary to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change.

At BHEL, I had to adopt a policy of continuous learning and adaptation. When my juniors came to me with problems, I encouraged them to propose at least two solutions. This approach not only fostered innovative thinking but also prepared us to handle the inevitable technological changes that lay ahead. 

Reflecting on my experiences, I see the importance of root cause analysis in navigating these changes. Tools like the fishbone diagram help us identify the underlying issues, enabling us to adapt and find solutions. However, even with these tools, the key takeaway is that in today’s world, staying static is not an option. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial to staying relevant and competitive.

In conclusion, the half-life of knowledge in engineering is shortening, driven by rapid technological advancements. To navigate this ever-changing landscape, we must commit to lifelong learning and be prepared to adapt quickly. The story of Australia’s automotive industry and my own experiences underscore the challenges and opportunities that come with this fast-paced evolution. By embracing change and continuously upgrading our skills, we can stay ahead in this dynamic field.