A Comparative Institutional Analysis of Engineering Ethics in the Netherlands and the United States

This paper investigates the drivers behind the institutionalization of engineering ethics at the national level through a comparative study of the United States and the Netherlands. The study examines the historical evolution and current landscape of engineering ethics activities in both countries. By comparing emergence, process, and actor involvement dimensions, commonalities and differences between the two nations’ approaches to the institutionalization of engineering ethics are identified. The analysis reveals context-specific factors shaping engineering ethics policies, including the nature of the profession, technological challenges, and societal attributes. The study identifies common drivers for national engineering ethics development: external influences such as technological crises and societal debates, contextual forces like institutional dynamics and societal attributes, and the triple helix of academia, professional associations, and government relations. The findings may offer useful insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance engineering ethics.