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Over the past fifteen years, the Academy has been at the forefront of efforts to incorporate diversity and inclusion principles into the field of engineering. Through a strategic blend of programmes, research initiatives, and analytical studies, the Academy has sought to systematically address the factors contributing to the underrepresentation of certain groups within the profession.

This sustained commitment involves a comprehensive exploration of the challenges that hinder broader participation in engineering. The Academy adopts a pragmatic lens, aiming to identify practical solutions that promote within the engineering community.

As a pioneering force in shaping the future of engineering, we are excited to present insights gleaned from a comprehensive literature review conducted by Nottingham Business School.

For inquiries, collaborations, or further discussions, please contact Yohanes Scarlett. Thank you for your dedication to Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering.

Published: December 2023

  • The literature review covers the past 10 years, analysing 506 documents across academic literature, publications by professional engineering institutions, corporate organisations and trade unions, not-for-profit and engineering magazines, and policy documents.
  • The number of EDI-related publications has steadily increased over the past decade, showing an upward trajectory.

The report calls for engineering industry leaders, diversity and inclusion professionals, researchers and advocacy groups to:

  1. Focus on comprehending and addressing systemic issues and barriers faced by underrepresented groups.
  2. Employ a longitudinal approach to examine the lived experiences and career trajectories of underrepresented groups. 
  3. Explore all identity characteristics in depth, including age, nationality, immigration, language, socioeconomic status, religion or belief, neurodiversity, non-binary identities, and family-related aspects. 
  4. Thoroughly evaluate EDI interventions to develop evidence-based strategies.
  5. Examine intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, socioeconomic status, etc., to identify and dismantle distinct barriers. 
  6. Collaborate with community partners for unique perspectives and expertise, enhancing understanding of barriers and opportunities within different communities. 
  • Gender was a theme in a third of the documents reviewed.
    • The underrepresentation of women in engineering is a key focus for research over the last decade.
    • The review offers evidence on a range of factors that create barriers to greater representation of women in engineering, from gendered workplace cultures and societal norms to a lack of family-friendly working arrangements.

  • The literature review highlights ongoing challenges related to racism, bias, stereotyping and discrimination which plights the experience of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic engineers in the workplace:
    • The review considered unconscious biases, and the need for more comprehensive initiatives to tackle racial inequality in engineering.
    • The evidence calls for increased research in underrepresented areas and more attention to intersectionality.

  • There was very little documentation or research focused on disabled or LGBTQ+ engineers, or on age, religion or belief, or socio-economic status in engineering.
    • More research is needed to better understand the experiences of diverse engineers.
    • The research recommendations of the literature indicate the key gaps and areas where further research should be undertaken to improve our knowledge of the engineering workforce.

For engineering employers:

  • The literature review demonstrates that there are patterns of underrepresentation in engineering.
    • That is to the detriment of our companies, our working cultures, and the individuals who find themselves marginalised within the profession.
  • The review also shows that as a profession, we can do better.
    • A number of promising practices for advancing diversity and inclusion are highlighted in the report.
    • The literature review also offers insights into the drivers behind underrepresentation and marginalisation in engineering – this can help us to identify and address barriers to participation.

For anyone doing relevant research (in academia, within your companies or sectors):

  • The literature review’s research recommendations provide a guide to help frame and scope future research into diversity and inclusion in engineering. Leverage this review to guide your advocacy efforts.

The Royal Academy of Engineering has a strong focus on doing meaningful and impactful research on diversity and inclusion in engineering. We are considering the implications of the recommendations outlined in the literature review for our own research plans. Watch this space!