Application-driven engagement with universities, synergies with other funding agencies

Abstract: In this whitepaper, we argue that nurturing HEP Lab-Engineering cooperation through established collaboration and support mechanisms will advance the scientific mission of the labs significantly, while at the same time giving the laboratories a stronger position in influencing the next generation workforce of engineers that will provide their services towards the unique computing and technology needs of the HEP community. The authors of this whitepaper are electronics and computer engineers and so, naturally, the arguments herein are made from their perspective. However, these arguments are only strengthened by the simple fact that they could also have been made from the perspective of mechanical engineers, civil engineers or numerous other technologists. At the same time, this document serves as a summary of discussions that occurred during the Joint Instrumentation Frontier & Community Engagement Frontier Townhall meeting on November 10, 2020