“Our country desperately needs innovative entrepreneurs and efficient managers in order to survive in this increasingly competitive global environment.” —Baumann
Recalling NASA designed the Atlas rocket, the workhorse of the early space program, in only three years using slide rules, Dr. Hans Baumann wonders if computers are overused today, especially during the education of engineers. It might be the case, he believes, that too much reliance on the narrow, deterministic environment of pre-packaged software solutions inhibits the free-ranging perspective that sustains creativity. “You do not invent using software.”
His appraisal of American standing as an engine of technological development is similarly no-nonsense: “The United States is sliding backwards, losing market share and technical leadership.”
“We will be challenged pretty soon,” he said, “because of the public debt and the demise of our industrial base. It will produce a crisis in this country.”
That contemporary thinking and a professional career where he personally designed or directed the development of over 30 valve lines are some of the reasons Baumann earned ISA’s Honorary Member award, the society’s highest honor. The award recognizes “contributions in the advancement of the arts and sciences of automation throughout a five-decade career of invention, design, writing, consulting and business leadership.”
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Wednesday 7 January, 2009 12:46 PM |
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