In the United States, the term “Engineer” is regulated by licensure boards, which means it refers to a person who is registered and licensed to practice engineering in the country. However, for everyone else, there is no clear definition.
The elusive nature of the term “Engineer” raises questions. Does it refer to someone licensed to practice in a specific jurisdiction? Or is it someone who has completed four or five years of university education? Does it encompass those who operate complex machinery like locomotives, sound boards, or building systems?
Internationally, there are significant differences in engineering education between countries like Russia, Japan, Germany, and the United States. However, it is undeniable that engineers from these nations are competent in their respective fields. Moreover, in the US, there are countless engineers employed by corporations who have made remarkable contributions to humanity but are neither registered nor licensed.
Considering that the engineering profession is responsible for nearly 80% of economic growth, it becomes crucial to establish a precise, measurable, and actionable definition. Without a rigorous definition, it is difficult to effectively manage the profession. These gaps in definition are significant oversights.
Given the lack of a suitable synonym for “Engineer,” we introduced the term “Ingenesist” with the following explanation:
The Latin word for engineer is “Ingeniator,” which is derived from two other Latin words: “ingenaire” (to conceive or derive) and “ingenium” (cleverness). The suffix “-ist” implies someone or something characterized by a specified quality. Combining these elements, an Ingenesist can simply be defined as a “creator of useful things.”
This straightforward definition is superior in describing the essence of engineering and its problem-solving nature. It can be put into action from an economic, political, or legal perspective, as there are rigorous definitions for what is considered useful and what is not. Importantly, this definition does not contradict existing conventions or institutions. It includes licensed and unlicensed professionals, as well as those from international backgrounds or those who rely on intuition rather than formal education in understanding the laws of nature. The term “Ingenesist” encompasses artists, craftsmen, technologists, and more.
Most importantly, the concept of an Ingenesist is inclusive rather than exclusive. It is accessible to anyone who chooses to be productive in a useful manner. Differentiating between what is useful and what is not comes naturally when using the term Ingenesist. It acknowledges the innate creative nature of our species.
