For 2009, a study was initiated on the theme of engineering solutions for the “base of the pyramid” (BoP) - the four billion people who live on less than $4 a day. Engineers are likely to be called upon to devise cost-effective ways to increase access to food and clean water, effective sanitation, energy, education, healthcare, revenue-generating activities, and affordable transportation. This scan helped to define the key drivers and emerging characteristics of these issues and their implications for mechanical engineers worldwide and ASME.  To view a summary of the report and some resources and weblinks to the BoP, please click here.

In 2008, ASME convened the Global Summit on the Future of Mechanical Engineering, a two-day conference that engaged the global membership of ASME and provided a forum for the engineering community leaders to discuss trends and issues likely to shape mechanical engineering over the next 20 years. The Summit was preceded by an environmental scan that helped shape the Summit agenda. 

In 2007, To further improve the Society’s ability to innovate, ASME commissioned an innovation study to provide a report that can be utilized to help guide the strategic and operational processes for enhancing enterprise-wide innovation at ASME. The project deliverables were benchmarking external nonprofit organizations for innovation best practices, identify current entrepreneurial and development practices within ASME and highlight the innovation gaps and opportunities, and recommend approaches that will help enable ASME.

In 2006, we studied two strategic opportunities for the association: collaborative learning communities and technology innovation networks. Please refer to the members only website for a wealth of information on drivers that make these new approaches to learning and innovation a priority, and the best practices that are emerging in these areas.

In 2005, we identified six strategic issues that describe a future that is more open, fluid, interconnected and challenging than any period ASME has seen in its 125-year history. These issues frame bold opportunities for ASME to transform its identity, programs and services, and contributions to society.

For a full copy of these reports, please refer to the members only website.