We thought it would be interesting to read and discuss a book that is relevant to the subject of engineering’s role in the world. What better author to start off our book group than with one of the better known champions of globalization and technology — an author who writes of engineering’s [...]

When Friedman says the world is flat, he means the playing field of the global market place has been leveled. Flat means connected, and in a flat world more people can collaborate and compete, share knowledge and share work. According to Friedman, in the period of “Globalization 3.0,” technology is the driver, and we’re in [...]

Friedman traveled the globe, interviewing entrepreneurs, software designers, inventors, and engineers in India, China, Russia, Japan, and the US – all of whom were seeking ways to “plug and play,” compete and win. He points out that engineers in India and China are not going to be satisfied with competing for low-end jobs. [...]

Friedman says business leaders have caught on, but our political elite don’t yet get it. While most leading US companies are responding rapidly, our government — folks in Washington — don’t understand technology and haven’t connected it to national economies. Do you think the Administration understands what’s happening?

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. [...]

Friedman’s favorite question: Where were you when you realized the world is flat?