Inaugural address. The impact of advanced technology on the electrical industry

In the past 100 years, developments in electrical engineering and technology have brought about profound changes in human living standards. The increasing momentum of change presents serious challenges to man´s ability to adapt himself to them. In the last 15 years the rate of technological advances in communications, power generation and utilisation, and in the application of electronic techniques, has been accelerating, and this is examined. The growth and development of the electrical manufacturing industries are discussed, and the effects on the industry of the rapid technical advances of recent years are considered. The changes which have already taken place are outlined, and the challenges of the future are analysed. Finally, the role of the engineer in management is discussed and the IEE is urged to help its members to acquire expertise in the managerial field.