Christian Engineers engaging in Policy, Regulatory and Compliance

About Christian Engineers engaging in Policy, Regulatory and Compliance

Abstract

Engineers have an impact on every aspect of life that is often overlooked from infrastructure to health and safety, to everyday technology to the energy resources to power our technological world. Governments are facing policy making questions on the interaction of technology with public and national welfare and faces challenges of ever-growing technical complexity. Businesses likewise are adapting to regulations and policy from governments and in some instances championing their own policies to differentiate from competitors. Recent examples include cyber-security, infrastructure improvements, and clean energy to support environmental goals. The decisions of governments and businesses affect the everyday work that engineers do. Engineers are equipped to engage both in business, in industry and in public policy making efforts though do not know how to engage. Engineers must first grow in awareness of how policy, regulations and compliance activities affect their daily work. Christian Engineers likewise are equipped and prone to the same issues facing other engineers. Christian Engineers should realize our faith underpins love for our neighbor to glorify God, and so are equipped by that love to express it in engaging with technology-related policy. The Christian principles to be discussed are applicable to all engineers and should provide a model for use by engineers looking to be involved in policy and regulatory activities in their own businesses, in their industry, and if they explore broader governmental policy making. A cursory look will find that many engineering societies and other coalitions have paths to support engagement of engineers in public policy. While few engineers may seem willing to engage in policy and regulations, this paper shows at least three aspects of, or opportunities for, engagement. First, it describes how Christian Engineers may apply their faith to matters of policy, laws, regulations, and compliance as it relates to engineering and technology. Second, it discusses ways for Christian Engineers to position themselves to serve and lead the development and implementation of engineering or technology related policy. Third, it provides references to avenues to begin to engage further. Examples of engaging in business and industry level regulatory and compliance activities from the author’s own experience are included.