Complexity as new normality: What is going on?

Abstract

In this paper we aim at presenting SEFI Annual Conference 2019 from the thematic point of view. Authors have creatively reacted to the main theme ‘Complexity as the new normality’ by targeting different areas of education where complexity arises: project work, curricular changes and connection to the job market are just few examples. The importance of soft skills alongside the core engineering background has motivated an intense discussion on the role of teaching in developing students’ skills. We identified the most represented topics at SEFI 2019 and we reflected on the importance of less represented topics such as Lifelong learning, Talent management, Sustainability and 4th Industrial Revolution. We based our decision on the relevance of such topics for shaping the future engineering education practices. We hope to spark the readers’ interest and motivate to explore the articles in this thematic issue as well as the Proceedings of SEFI 2019 Conference.