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EXTRA: In Praise of Maintenance (Update)

Freakonomics Radio

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Engineering's True Value Lies Beyond Innovation

The real value of engineering extends beyond mere innovation and new creations; it emphasizes the importance of maintaining and sustaining existing systems. Research indicates that a significant majority of engineers—70 to 80%—dedicate their efforts to ongoing maintenance rather than solely focusing on groundbreaking inventions. This reality is often overlooked in engineering education, which prioritizes entrepreneurship and innovation, potentially misleading students and undervaluing the essential work they are likely to engage in throughout their careers.

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