Preface

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate technical information effectively has never been more important. As industries expand beyond national borders, engineering, science, and technology professionals must collaborate across diverse cultures, languages, and time zones. The rapid globalization of technical work—whether in software development, aerospace engineering, or medical technology—means that professionals often find themselves working in international teams, where clear, precise, and accessible communication is essential for success.

Demographic shifts are also transforming the landscape of technical work. In the 2020s, we live in a world of over 8 billion people. In developed countries, we see aging populations, with many people living well beyond the traditional retirement age; in developing countries, we see more youthful populations, where, in some cases, more than 50% of people are less than 18 years of age. Although birthrates are now steadily falling across the globe, for the next decades at least, this is the demographic reality in which technical fields will operate. Much of the work involved in engineering and computer science gets outsourced to countries with younger populations that are increasingly educated and that can do work at a lower cost. At the same time, much of the essential design work continues in developed countries such as Canada or the USA. Accordingly, the engineer or computer scientist of the future is much more likely to be working in international teams and communicating across borders. We see tasks like electronics design, applied research, accounting, aerospace design, technical consulting, and medical imaging assessment being done more economically outside of the developed countries. However, we’re still seeing the results of this outsourced international work transmitted back to developed countries in a globalized technology ecosystem.

What new challenges does this present for aspiring engineers or computer scientists who need to communicate technical knowledge? What new skills are required in this global context? For one, this means that communication must always be achieved in the clearest and most direct way possible. To do this, future engineers must communicate in a style that is direct, clean, and dynamic—an approach that will be developed in many activities in this book. It also means that future communicators of technical information need to develop greater sensitivity to intercultural differences. That way, there is less chance of misunderstandings, or of people being offended by cultural missteps in communication.

Another challenge relates to the complexities of modern technologies. New technologies draw on know-how from different fields. Accordingly, we see the emergence of new micro disciplines within engineering, such as microelectronics, photonics, and biomechanics. In biomechanics, for instance, biology and medicine merge with mechanical engineering. To communicate ideas in these blended domains, we need people who can integrate various fields of knowledge through effective communication.

In conclusion, the ability to clearly communicate technical information is no longer just a supplementary skill for engineers and computer scientists; it is a fundamental necessity. As international collaboration becomes the norm and interdisciplinary fields continue to emerge, professionals must be equipped with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly, concisely, and with cultural sensitivity. Whether working across borders, adapting to new technologies, or bridging knowledge gaps between disciplines, effective communication will be the key to innovation and success.