Statistical engineering – Part 2: Future

Abstract In the second of two panel discussion articles focused on the evolution of statistical engineering (SE) as introduced by Roger Hoerl and Ronald Snee, a group of leading applied statisticians from academia, industry, and government present their perspectives on what the future might hold for this important movement. The invited panelists discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the emergence of data science and the abundance of large amounts of data. They also consider the possible paths forward for SE, and the roles for statisticians in academia, industry, and government. The final question addresses what additional skills would be helpful to increase the effectiveness of the practice and advance SE. As with the first article, the format of the article follows the order of a posed question, a summary of key ideas, and then the detailed individual panelist answers. The article seeks to inspire statisticians to consider their possible role to leverage the potential of SE to solve important problems.