The importance of chemical engineering in the academy-industry-government-society alliance (aigs) in the Colombian Caribbean region

Edison Albert Zuluaga Hernández; Arley Alexander Reales Ruíz; Natalia Terán Acuña

doi:10.14482/inde.42.02.326.489

Authors

Edison Albert Zuluaga Hernández Universidad de San Buenaventura-Cartagena (USB) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8994-7652
Arley Alexander Reales Ruíz Universidad de San Buenaventura-Cartagena (USB) https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9048-3259
Natalia Terán Acuña Universidad de San Buenaventura-Cartagena (USB) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0556-5866

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/inde.42.02.326.489

Keywords:

Action field, Chemical engineering, Quadruple alliance, Job offer

Abstract

Chemical engineering is crucial in society and can contribute to the collaboration between Academy, Industry, Government, and Society (AIGS) to promote sustainable projects and knowledge transfer in the Caribbean region of Colombia. This study examines the impact of chemical engineering in the region, including program offerings, indicators of chemical engineering programs, job market, and opportunities for projects with societal impact. Four public and private institutions have been identified, each offering comprehensive 10-semester study programs designed to cultivate both technical expertise and humanistic education in aspiring chemical engineers. These programs aim to equip students with the necessary tools to tackle the pressing challenges of sustainability. The curriculum is structured into distinct components: foundation (34%), engineering basics (17%), professional (39%), and humanities (11%). However, disparities in student enrollment numbers between public and private institutions have emerged, posing a potential risk to the sustainability of programs in the latter. The chemical industry is prominent, with diversification in Atlántico and a focus on the petrochemical sector in Bolívar. Graduates of chemical engineering in the Caribbean region have diverse career opportunities with employability ranges between 50% and 80%. Besides, Clusters and CUEEs are important initiatives that guide collaboration within the AIGS alliance, utilizing methodologies for strategic management and participatory projects to receive state funding for developments through Science, Technology, and Innovation. This study's results demonstrate that the practice of chemical engineering in the Caribbean region is harmonized with the region's strategic goals, cultivating socio-economic benefits through collaborations between companies and universities. Furthermore, these findings offer direction to higher education institutions, particularly private ones, encouraging proactive efforts to secure resources for projects. These initiatives, in turn, create avenues to expand educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students.

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