Integrated electronics vs electrical engineering education

This paper is based on a survey which was made of representatives of industrial organizations, and which was intended to show potential changes in electrical-engineering skills required as a result of the impact of integrated electronics. The most significant result of the survey was a predicted shift in emphasis from circuits engineering toward systems engineering. Comments received during the survey, as interpreted by the authors, indicate that a broader base of knowledge will be required for all categories of engineering. At the same time, the fundamental background provided a student in his chosen field must be strengthened. Effects of the predicted changes on both the teaching and the research programs of universities are summarized in the paper. Finally, it is concluded that for both teaching and university research, a strong interaction between industry and university is essential.