How to address low participation in STEM subjects (Part Two) - Diversity and problem solving
By Bede Wolf, Eco-Manufacturing Operations Manager, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia
Did you know that every year, 45 million metric tonnes of e-waste are generated globally*? That’s the same as 9 Pyramids of Giza!
Adding that to an already long list of critical global challenges such as a changing climate, diminishing biodiversity and the threat of pandemics, it is easy to paint a bleak picture of the future of humanity and the world.
This post will instead point towards a bright, optimistic future, courtesy of the next generation of diverse STEM trained thinkers.
The last blog discussed how STEM is underpinned by creativity. That creativity is important in future STEM trained workers, and ought to be central in STEM training.
Diversity as an enabler of creative problem solving
Connected to this theme, let’s understand how diversity is an enabler in creative problem solving.
Usually, STEM professionals work together in teams on projects or initiatives. Each member of the team brings a unique trained skillset and experience base and can therefore contribute expertise to the team. More broadly however, each team member brings a unique capability which arises naturally from their individual history, personality, background, circumstances, attitudes and culture.
Consider the richness in perspective that team members of different generations, gender, personality type, upbringing and ethnicity automatically bring to a problem or challenge. A rich variety of views and experience contributes to outcomes and solutions that are robust, resilient and ultimately more successful. How? Diverse teams have agency to generate ideas which account for a wide range of factors, drivers and implications, asking more questions, re-examining assumptions and challenging traditional thought patterns. These ideas are simply out of reach for homogenous groups and may help explain why many organisations and businesses are increasingly seeking out diversity in their board members.
When it comes to problems of epic proportions, such as pyramid sized piles of e-waste, we need to ensure that diverse candidates are choosing STEM careers if the next generation is to succeed in solving the complex problems of tomorrow, and solving them in the best possible way.
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*Source: Baldé, C.P., Forti V., Gray, V., Kuehr, R., Stegmann,P. : The Global E-waste Monitor – 2017, United Nations University (UNU), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) & International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), Bonn/Geneva/Vienna.