Pioneering New Engineering Innovations For A Resilient World In A Post-COVID 19 Era

 

(A paper submitted for the Nigerian University Engineering Association Magazine)

Despite the successive riotous waves of the global pandemic, the world still exists. However, we are still adjusting with the ‘new normal’ lifestyle that tagged along with COVID-19. A World Bank Study showed that economic growth of advanced regions would decline from a depleted 3.8 percent in 2022 to a disastrous 2.3 percent in 2023. What chance do less-advanced regions have? Innovation is the backbone of our survival in these life threatening times. Innovation is the innate quality of adaptation and resilience pooled into the muscles of the mind. In this Post-COVID era, challenges needs to be solved with scientific solutions. Thus, underscoring the role of emerging engineering innovations for the earth to maintain her much needed resilience.

Globally, the most prominent areas affected by the pandemic are: health, education and businesses. Nonetheless, the world is rebounding; however, to maintain a sound and sustainable recovery, it is important lessons are learnt from the initial backlash of the pandemic. In pioneering innovations for a more resilient epoch, it is mandatory to learn from the most affected areas - discover the defects and develop proactive long-lasting solutions. 

Undoubtedly, worldwide health care systems were not prepared for what was coming to them. They lacked structured health records that would enable prediction of those most vulnerable to the pandemic. Thus, sensitization accompanied with priority care were absent in the discharging of their duties. Also, there was no way to effectively contact trace those who are at risk or might have contracted the COVID-19 virus. At the influx of the pandemic, essentials to stub the surge of the virus- rapid testing technologies and ventilators, were absent and insufficient respectively. Thus, rendering health systems almost helpless.

Recently, technologies have emerged in response to these inadequacies. For example, Natural Language Processing (NLP), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered tool, used to analyze and structure health data of people. Basically, NLP helps computers understand clinical language; thus, helping health professionals predict the degree of vulnerability to any disease. An organization that utilized NLP testified to a 90% accuracy. Also, various contact tracing and sensitization applications like the Corona-Warn mobile application are being utilized in different climes in a bid to stem the spread of the disease. To a great extent, ventilators produced via local content have curbed shortages. More so, at-home COVID-19 tests such as the rapid antigen tests that can detect the virus in about 15 minutes are among noteworthy innovations helping mankind surmount its deficiencies.

Educational systems have also had its quota of the undesirable impact of Corona Virus. The pandemic prevented over 160 million students globally from having access to school. The danger in proximity associated with corona virus prevented students from gathering to learn. It took close to year before some institutions started seeking for alternative means of learning. E-learning schemes adopted by some schools fizzled out due to inadequate orientation. Stakeholders in educational systems struggled with functioning efficiently in the virtual space. 

All these challenges were necessary for the global revitalization of education. Mobile applications such as Google Classroom and Zoom enabled large populations to learn better than they will have if they were together. Teleconferencing applications improved on security, privacy and population capacity to satisfy customers better. Confidence levels of students were increased as they could ask questions and relate better with the tutors. In a bid to keep the educational wheel rolling, schools partnered with e-learning platforms such as Coursera. Remote learning became the order of the day. The government of some countries used drones embedded with high-quality sound systems to massively sensitize its citizens about developments of the virus and other happenings in the society. Some institutions adopted virtual reality to imitate the learning environment and efficiently monitor the students in the course of learning. Difficulties sponsored by the pandemic turned out to be opportunities that are still relevant in this age.

Lastly, all forms of businesses have pitiful tales to tell from the backwash of the global pandemic. 73% Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) scrambled, unable to dedicate resources for improved digitalization. Lockdown measures had a far-reaching effect on retail shops; thus could not be open for business. Human labour put employees at risk of contracting the virus; industries had to shut down or lay off workers, thus constraining financial returns. For businesses that were able to adapt, testimonies emanated from pitiful tales.

Digital technologies were key ingredient for flourishing industries in the SARS-CoV-2 era. The duo of Internet of Things (IoT) –a network of physical objects embedded with sensors for data connection and exchange, and Cloud computing were the life buoys for several SMEs, enabling better business models and increased customer values. Disruptions in global supply chains caused emergence of online supermarkets, grocery shops inclusive, via Amazon, Walmart and so on. Recently, Walmart introduced a 3D feature that enabled customers to view the real life state of their products from home before purchase. Robotics and Automation were the saving grace for industries that were heavily reliant human labour. Initially a necessity, digitalization became a goldmine for companies in the pandemic.

These mind-blowing technologies are a tip of the iceberg; more innovations await us in this epoch. Nevertheless, innovations do not guarantee inclusion; some factors have to be in place to act as viable supports for global adoption of these technologies. The execution of these prerequisites is not exclusive to the government alone . We all have a part to play in the pioneering and adaptation of engineering innovations.

The truth is, some countries do not have the capacity to adopt digital technologies as they should. Studies show that 50 percent of countries do not have basic resources to deliver the minimum standard of educational content digitally. In this light, concerned countries need to implement policies that would encourage innovation, attract investors and ensure societal espousal. Concerned stakeholders in liason with the government should prioritize research and development at industries and all levels of education. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) can help by engineering technological outreaches to the less privileged with the aim of global technology literacy, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4).  Also, citizens should trust the government by giving heed to measures and policies on inclusiveness of engineering technologies.

In conclusion, the global upset caused by the corona virus open new doors of opportunity to mankind. In this Post-COVID era, vital sectors - health, education and business, depend on engineering innovations to recover and be more fortified; thus, enabling a more resilient world. We all need to collaborate for the pioneering, uprising and sustainability of engineering technologies. Let us remember that even the darkest of clouds has a silver lining. Therefore, no matter what the future holds, the world can stand a chance only with the help of innovations. Let us innovate.