Why Bangladesh Needs a School of Sustainable Design and Technology for Economic Development
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Loading... - Manya Dang
- 12 Nov 2024
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As Bangladesh's education system continues to evolve, it faces a critical challenge: the need for technical depth to meet the rapidly changing demands of the global industry. While traditional courses remain prevalent, there is a significant gap in advanced design, technology, and sustainable innovation education. The global shift towards digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable practices has highlighted this technological gap, necessitating the establishment of a School of Sustainable Design and Technology (SDT).
Bridging the Skills Gap
The proposed SDT would offer multidisciplinary courses in Experience and Interaction Design, Industrial and Product Design, and AI-driven Smart Design. These programs aim to bridge the gap between the skills provided by current educational institutions and the technological understanding required by modern industries. By equipping students with the necessary skills, the SDT can promote economic growth and enhance Bangladesh's global competitiveness through sustainability and innovation.
Meeting Global Industry Demands
As businesses worldwide transition to a technology-centric future, Bangladesh must prepare its youth with superior design and technological capabilities. An established SDT would not only boost local production and worker training but also position the country as a leader in innovation and sustainable development. The demand for talented designers and innovators is growing, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, media, and digital services. A Bachelor of Design (B.Des) degree from the SDT could effectively train individuals for both domestic and international markets.
Addressing Emerging Sector Needs
The primary rationale for establishing the SDT is to address the critical need for specialized training in emerging sectors like digital interaction, product design, and AI. According to a report from the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), the IT sector in Bangladesh has been growing at an annual rate of 20%, generating over $1 billion in export revenue. This growth underscores the increasing demand for skilled professionals capable of creating user-centric designs and engaging digital experiences.
The Experience and Interaction Design (XID) course, a key component of the SDT curriculum, directly responds to this demand. Students will learn to create digital applications, interactive environments, and service-oriented solutions that enhance user experiences—an essential skill in today's global economy.
Strengthening the Manufacturing Sector
The SDT will also significantly benefit Bangladesh's manufacturing industry. The Industrial and Product Design (IPD) program will educate students on developing innovative and sustainable products for local and global markets. Currently, the manufacturing sector is heavily reliant on the ready-made garments (RMG) industry, which accounted for 84% of Bangladesh's total exports in 2023. This dependence poses risks if global demand fluctuates.
By providing skills in industrial and product design, the SDT can facilitate the diversification of Bangladesh's economic base, reducing reliance on a single industry while promoting the production of high-value goods such as consumer electronics, medical technology, and furniture. This focus on design will enhance the nation's ability to produce goods that meet international standards, creating new export opportunities.
Emphasizing Sustainable Practices
The SDT's commitment to eco-friendly design aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable products. By training students in sustainable design principles, Bangladesh can position itself as a significant player in this expanding market. The Visual Communication Design (VCD) program will also prepare students for careers in the booming media and advertising sectors, projected to reach $865 billion by 2028, driven by innovations in digital platforms and visual branding.
Graduates of the VCD program will be equipped to work in various fields, including digital media, graphic design, and advertising, enhancing Bangladesh's presence in global creative industries.
Contributing to Sustainable Development
In addition to bolstering the creative and manufacturing sectors, the SDT can significantly impact the national economy by prioritizing sustainable design and technology. The Applied Immersive Design (AID) degree will focus on developing sustainable solutions to address critical infrastructure and environmental challenges. As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Bangladesh must prioritize sustainable practices in both urban and rural development.
Through AID, students will acquire the technical skills and design-thinking methodologies necessary for creating innovative solutions for future infrastructure projects, ensuring environmental sustainability and social benefits.
Preparing for the Future with AI
As AI and intelligent technologies increasingly shape the future of industries, the SDT's AI and Smart Design (ASD) program will prepare students to develop AI-driven solutions for various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. The Virtual Environment Design (VED) degree will offer unique opportunities in entertainment, education, and healthcare, which are rapidly evolving due to virtual and augmented reality technologies.
Establishing a School of Sustainable Design and Technology in Bangladesh is crucial for enhancing the nation's manufacturing capabilities, workforce training, and overall economic development. Through programs in Experience and Interaction Design, Industrial and Product Design, Visual Communication, AI and Smart Design, and more, the SDT will equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a digital and interconnected world.
