That inevitably places the responsibility on our education system, particularly STEM education. Delivering a strong curriculum in math and science— the hallmark of STEM education’s first century—is now just the beginning. Imparting an appreciation for the pace at which technology is accelerating, and for how life-long learning will be critical for career success and the ability to significantly contribute to society’s well being, is STEM education’s new job.

Life in the next 100 years is likely to be influenced by a few major trends in the process of evolving today: climate change, alternative energy, artificial intelligence, autonomous transportation, and smart cities.

To prepare students, education needs to introduce them to systems thinking—so important because the critical elements and aspects of healthy, sustainable societies are quite interdependent. Think of the systems  which we rely on every day: energy, water resources, waste management, transportation and communications, all technology-driven infrastructure assets.

Now incorporate the systems associated with public safety, healthcare, law enforcement, banking and commerce, and one gains an appreciation for the interconnectivity of this “system of systems.” Optimal solutions to societal needs must incorporate systems- thinking approaches. STEM education of the 21st century: that’s your challenge.

Anthony Bartolomeo is the retired president of engineering firm Pennoni and a driving force in the American Society of Civil Engineering’s Future World Vision initiative.