Pandemic, Shortages, and Electronic Engineering

The COVID-19 pandemic and the current shortage of integrated circuits has highlighted that electronic components (chips) constitute the basis of our information society. However, chips and electronic systems are not static commodities, as they greatly evolve in terms of functionality and performance. It is not possible to sustain future developments by simply using the available electronics. Electronic engineers are specifically trained professionals who will ensure this continuous technological evolution by designing and optimizing electronic devices, circuits, and systems for tomorrow's applications. Unfortunately, teenagers seem to be losing interest in this field and a more serious chip shortage may happen which could be caused by the basic shortage of next-generation electronic engineers. It seems therefore quite important to revitalize the perception of this discipline in the imagination of young people, to inspire new talents at a time when chips and electronic systems are entering almost all areas of human life and new job opportunities are opening up. To this end, a key factor could be the realization of a motivating communication campaign for school students and their families, in which public and private stakeholders together with universities and professional associations like the IEEE act in a structured and coordinated way.