In the framework of the "Global Engineering Excellence (GEE) Initiative", Continental has worked together with top internationally renowned universities on the globally-oriented education of engineers since 2005.

At the heart of this cooperation is an extensive study of the engineering and science disciplines, addressing questions such as:

• How does technological know-how influence the competitive positions of national economies and companies?
• What are the global and national career paths of graduates of engineering and science study programs?
• How can a successful exchange of knowledge between companies and universities be fostered?
• What are the quality standards for excellent engineering training?

Today, nine universities are represented in the network: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA), the University of São Paulo (Brazil), the Shanghai Jiao-Tong University (China), the Tongji University (China), the Tsinghua University (China), the Tech de Monterrey (Mexico), the RWTH Aachen (Germany) and one new member - the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan).

The findings of the study show that

• the education of engineers with worldwide competency has failed to keep pace with the complex and highly dynamic development processes of globalization.
• study programs are not sufficiently international and cross disciplinary,
• the mutual recognition of degrees or curriculum modules is still in its infancy, and
• a worldwide accreditation system is nowhere in sight.

In addition, there are many government-imposed barriers that hinder an international and, at the same time, research-oriented study program. Also, there are so far only few cooperative projects between companies and universities that reach beyond a national scope.

The international exchange between business and science is ensured by annual meetings of representatives of the universities and Continental.

Further information about the GEE study is available at: www.global-engineering-excellence.org.