IEEE President’s Note: Engineering With Purpose

Innovation, experience and efficiency often take center stage in the world of engineering. However, the impact of engineering lies not only in technological progress, but also in its ability to serve the common good. This fundamental principle underpins IEEE's public imperative initiatives, which leverage our efforts and expertise to support our mission of advancing technology for humanity with direct benefit to society.

Service to Society

Public imperatives and initiatives serve society by promoting understanding, impact on people and the environment, and responsible use of science and technology. These initiatives cover a wide range of efforts, including STEM outreach activities, deployment of humanitarian technologies, educating the public on new technologiesAnd sustainability. Unlike many technology promotion efforts, these initiatives are not designed with financial capacity in mind. Instead, they meet the IEEE definition of a 501(c)(3) public charity organization dedicated to scientific and educational activities for the benefit of the engineering community and the public.

In my March column, I described my vision for One IEEE, which aims to empower IEEE's diverse divisions to work together in ways that enhance their individual and collective influence. Within One IEEE, the public imperative is not an afterthought; they play a central role in uniting the organization and enhancing our global relevance. Across IEEE regions, societies, and technical communities, these activities unite efforts around a common mission. They provide our members from different disciplines and geographies with the opportunity to collaborate on projects that cross borders, promoting interdisciplinary innovation and global governance.

Such activities also provide members with the opportunity to apply their technical knowledge to meet community needs. Lee searching for innovative solutions to connect the unconnected or developing open source educational tools for studentswe solve real problems. These initiatives transform abstract technical knowledge into actionable solutions, reinforcing the idea that technology is not just about creating systems, but about creating the future.

For our young professionals and studentsThese events offer hands-on experiences that connect technical skills with real-world applications, inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in engineering with purpose and passion. These activities also create mentorship opportunities, leadership pathways, and a sense of belonging to the broader IEEE community.

Principled Technology Leader

In an era where technology influences almost every aspect of life – from healthcare and Energy for Communications and Transportation—IEEE, as a leading technical body, must also act as a socially responsible leader. The public imperative includes IEEE's commitment to ethical development, undergraduate and graduate education, and accessible innovation. They help bridge the gap between the technical community and the public by working to ensure that engineering solutions are accessible, equitable, and consistent with public values.

From a strategic perspective, societal imperatives also support IEEE's long-term vision. sustainability. The organization is reviewing its budget process to emphasize the alignment of financial resources with mission goals. One of the guiding principles is to promote IEEE's public charitable status and invest accordingly.

This means we must advance our public imperatives in funding decisions, integrate them into operational planning, and measure their results with engineering rigor. By treating these activities as a core infrastructure, IEEE ensures that its resources are used in ways that maximize public benefit and organizational impact.

Public imperatives are vital to the success of One IEEE. They embody the mission of the organization, unite its members around the world and demonstrate the social significance of engineering and technology. They offer our members the opportunity to meaningfully apply their skills, contribute to the public good and shape future of technology with integrity.

Our community service makes IEEE a driver of innovation and meaningful impact.

This article appears in the December 2025 print issue entitled “Engineering with Purpose“