The latest on the proposed umbrella engineering institution is that the IIE and IEE are now discussing a two-way merger – and are open to proposals from other bodies wishing to join them either at the outset or at a later date.
The IIE says the new Institution would be “interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary in approach” and would include all engineering and technology professionals across a wide range of industry and technology sectors.
Were IEE and IIE to be the only partners at the outset, the new Institution's scope would at least equal the full scope currently covered by both.
Further progress will depend upon whether an appropriately broad title for such a new Institution – and one that would incorporate those bodies wishing to join at a later date – can be secured. “Institution of Engineering and Technology” has been mooted. This is being explored with the DTI, Privy Council, other engineering Institutions and interested parties.
Should the merger talks come to naught, the IIE says its council has already adopted a strong alternative strategy for moving the Institution forward as an independent body – without ruling out a possible integrated institution if the opportunity should arise.