With the move to outsourcing and off-shoring the role of the engineer in the western world is radically changing. It is no longer the case of ‘how to make something; but more of a question of ‘what to make’ to enhance business profitability and increase the value of intellectual property. In his keynote speech, Sir Terry Matthews will discuss how the engineering role has changed over the years, the advent of consumer engineering and how important it is that engineers become intrinsically involved with customers and businesses as a whole.