Future-Ready Graduates: USC Leaders' Vision For Navigating The Tech Landscape

In an exclusive interview, Dr Yannis Yortsos, the Dean of the University of Southern California (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering and Dr Gaurav Sukhatme, Professor of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, USC, share insights into the university's approach to research, innovation and preparing students for the evolving technology landscape. From aligning research with funding priorities to fostering creativity in students and addressing the challenges of emerging technologies like AI, the USC leaders provide a compelling perspective on the role of education in shaping the future.
 
How does the university encourage creativity in students, considering the evolving landscape of scientific innovation?  
 
Gaurav - All our faculty engage in research. Teaching students to think creatively about problems involves several aspects. One key aspect is encouraging them to consider significant problems that ignite their imagination. These problems shouldn't be easily expressed in the form of textbook exercises. For instance, solving complex issues like energy problems or devising ways to make the environment cleaner serves as a motivating starting point. The aim is to trigger students' creative thinking.

The professor's role is to gradually guide students in connecting these broader motivations to something specific. This helps in defining a problem that students can actively engage with and make tangible progress on. At the graduate level, we nurture this skill over the course of a Ph.D., spanning four or five years.

Yannis - I should add that research in American universities, and increasingly so across the world, is often supported by external funding agencies. Typically, the work undertaken addresses specific problems for which funding is secured from agencies like the National Science Foundation.

In response, researchers craft proposals, particularly in line with the overarching goals of entities such as the National Science Foundation, which may aim to solve complex issues like carbon capture. The proposal submission process encourages creativity, and those with innovative ideas receive support. However, unlike a contractual arrangement with specific deliverables, research endeavors allow flexibility. Researchers can adapt their approach based on the evolving insights gained during the investigative process, fostering innovation and creativity.

This model of scientific research in the U.S. traces back to the late 1940s, initiated by Vannevar Bush, a character portrayed in the movie Oppenheimer. The National Science Foundation, established in 1949, can be seen as a result of initiatives around that time.

Now, let's discuss innovation. It needs to be distinguished from research in a crucial aspect. Innovation must have a significant impact, not merely generate interesting publications. While research may result in papers appreciated by the academic community, true innovation entails tangible economic impact. The challenge is translating laboratory developments into the marketplace, a substantial aspect of our work.

In essence, both research and innovation mutually support each other, creating a symbiotic relationship. Organizations that efficiently bridge this gap between the lab and the market tend to be the most successful.
 
How is the university equipping students to adapt to the changing technology landscape, considering the transformation of all industries into technology-driven sectors?

Yannis - During the COVID years, many technology companies substantially increased their workforce due to the shift towards an online economy. However, there seems to be a correction happening in this trend. It's worth noting that while major companies make significant announcements, numerous smaller companies attract high talent to advance their objectives. The rapid development of AI and machine learning could cause disruptions and it remains to be seen how this will unfold. Our objective is to ensure our students are adaptable, understanding how to navigate changes and impact various industries beyond just major players like Apple and Meta.

The technology landscape is evolving, with every company becoming or transforming into a technology company. For instance, the banking and finance industry is undergoing a significant shift towards technology, resulting in increased hiring. Despite the uncertainties, individuals need to address these changes and adapt. Looking at the bigger picture, there's a question about the future of powerful AI in relation to humans. This aspect requires careful consideration, involving policy issues and governmental regulation to ensure these technologies are helpful, harmless and honest.

Gaurav - This emphasis on being "harmless" aligns with the importance of nurturing human leaders. As Yannis mentioned, jobs traditionally associated with the IT sector are now emerging across various industries, requiring a balanced approach in curricula. In different engineering fields, whether mechanical, chemical or civil, teaching computing and data science has become a fundamental component.

Now, with the establishment of the new School of Computing, we are extending the incorporation of computing and data science beyond traditional IT fields. This includes disciplines like history and economics, as we believe it lays the groundwork for a sustained career. Such a broad approach helps individuals become more resilient against potential challenges in specific, narrow verticals. As a university, our perspective is focused on long-term benefits and contributions.
 
How do you perceive India's current standing and potential in embracing advancements, particularly in AI?
 
Yannis - There's no question that technology will be essential for everyone, given that these industries are currently taking shape. India has historically excelled in this regard, as exemplified by companies like Infosys. Back in 2006, during my first visit to India, I explored the Infosys campus in Bangalore and had the opportunity to meet Narayana Murthy. We are currently at a similar juncture, especially with the advancements in AI. While it's an exciting prospect, we need to approach it with caution. The key is for institutions to be agile, anticipating the future and responding swiftly to changes.