Three institutions to collaborate, not merge

An Institution of Electrical Engineers product story

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Mar 11, 2004

Exploratory talks between the IEE, IIE and IMechE to examine options for closer collaboration, have sidelined the idea of creating a new Institute, though a great deal of common ground exists.

Exploratory talks between the IEE, IIE and IMechE to examine options for closer collaboration, including the possibility of the creation of a new Institute, have identified a great deal of common ground, particularly in our vision of engineering in the 21st century and the role of Institutions in it.

As a consequence, considerable progress has been made in identifying benefits to all three from working more closely together.

However, it has been decided that, at this stage, the creation of a single Institute from the three Institutions is not the most appropriate means of delivering these benefits.

The differences in our current ways of working and in our internal structures means that there would be considerable effort and cost in creating a new Institute that would detract from achieving our individual strategies.

Nevertheless, the expectation of future operational convergence means that whilst the creation of a single Institute is not the right answer now, it remains a realistic ambition for the future.

We have therefore agreed to consider a range of initiatives for closer collaboration that will aid convergance and bring benefit to Members, the engineering profession and employers.

About the IEE - founded in 1871, the IEE is the largest professional engineering society in Europe with a worldwide membership of around 120,000.

It is an innovative organisation for electronics, electrical, IT, power, manufacturing and communications professionals, offering services and qualifications to meet the needs of today's technology industry.

About the IIE - The Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) is the UK's largest and most influential interdisciplinary professional engineering institution, with approximately 40,000 members.

It offers professional recognition and lifelong career support for Incorporated Engineers, Chartered Engineers and Engineering Technicians, across a wide range of disciplines.