Seven Maxims for a highly effective engineering profession

Keith Clarke, chief executive of engineering consultancy Atkins, says there is much that we can learn from Victorian engineers like Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Clarke has set out seven maxims that challenge today’s ‘play it safe’ approach to engineering, which he believes has stifled innovation.

Challenge assumptions. The best of the Victorian engineers challenged and overturned the assumptions of their day. For example, Richard Trevethick, inventor of the steam locomotive,...

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