Knowledge exchange unaffected by credit crunch as IET expands in the East

18 November 2008

An historic agreement between the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Chinese Association of Science and Technology (CAST) signals a new era for both organisations.

The "Agreement of Cooperation" was signed in Beijing by IET chief executive, Robin McGill and CAST chief executive secretary, Madam Nan Deng.

Madam Deng said, “This Agreement marks the future cooperation between both our organisations. Previously we have worked together in many fields but today we formalise this relationship by signing this agreement which sets out the wider framework for developing more projects in the future.

“The IET is an important learned society with a long history. CAST this year celebrates its 50th anniversary but many of the societies with which we are associated have existed for far longer and have their roots in the engineering profession. It is good that we join together to see how we can both better serve society.”

The agreement sets out a framework for the IET and CAST to greater understand each other’s objectives, practices and how each projects these for the benefit of society. It will look at respective qualifications systems and exchange information and expertise relating to the further development of reliable accreditation systems. Company competence-training programmes and related quality assurance mechanisms will also be examined as part of the initiative to improve continued professional development (CPD).

Robin McGill said, “Today is a turning point for the IET as we start to think more about China and how we can support the Chinese technological community. China has a long and distinguished history in the area of technology and the West owes it a great deal. China is very important in the world and, therefore, very important to the IET.

“The IET is beginning to develop its global offices. Our strategy is very simple and that is to join with the strongest national bodies to build a global knowledge network. The world is now a far smaller place because technology allows information and knowledge to flow back and forth cross the world.

“The global financial crisis is a hot topic at the moment but this will not impact on our cooperation as the exchange of knowledge and ideas are one commodity unaffected by the stock markets.”

“Today marks the end of the beginning of our collaboration. We now begin on a new phase, a new chapter in our relationship. If you look at the many changes in the world – climate, environment, affordable energy, transportation, sustainable development – all of these will need the input of scientists, engineers and technologists to develop new ways in which we live.

“Our two societies – the IET and CAST – share many common values. We are committed to promoting science and technology for the benefit of society. By connecting professionals across the globe we can capitalise on this knowledge and expertise.

“We are very excited at the prospect of developing a good and productive working relationship with CAST. The importance of professionally qualified engineers and technologists cannot be stressed too highly. Employers need to know that the people they are employing have attained certain standards in their careers; equally, employees must have the support for continued professional development to keep pace with our fast changing world.”

The agreement is a first step to moving to recognition of the equivalence of standards between the Chartered (CEng), Incorporated (IEng) and Engineering Technician (EngTech) qualifications awarded by the IET and the various titles awarded by member bodies of CAST.

Amongst the other features of the MoU are the joint promotion and delivery of conferences, facilitation of publication of relevant papers, journals and related materials and initiating and supporting the formation of networks for the purpose of knowledge exchange.

Media enquiries to:

Robert Beahan
Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
E: rbeahan@theiet.org

Mary Donovan
Head of Communications
T: +44 (0)1438 765587
M: +44 (0)7725 498117
E: mdonovan@theiet.org