Universidad del Rosario’s dedication to innovation shines through its dynamic ecosystem, which promotes research and collaboration across multiple sectors. Through initiatives like UR STEAM, the university nurtures scientific talent and fosters cooperation with both national and international partners. This approach aligns seamlessly with the goals of the iN4iN project, which aims to integrate innovation management into academic programs and promote research exchanges among institutions.

The event brought together key project coordinators, including Dr. Utz Dornberger from Leipzig University, Erick Alvarado Barrantes from the Universidad Técnica Nacional de Costa Rica, Joe Bryan Lucero Chuquista from the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, and Dr. Aglaya Batz from Universidad del Rosario. Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of the project, reinforcing the shared commitment to innovation and partnership.

Throughout the event, participants delved into best practices for embedding innovation management into academic curricula. Universities showcased projects such as the creation of a Master’s program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Universidad Técnica Nacional in Costa Rica, demonstrating how academic institutions can address societal challenges through specialized training and curriculum development. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to experience Colombia’s rich cultural heritage, with visits to the Salt Mine in Zipaquirá and Bogotá’s historic center, highlighting the role of cultural exchange in building strong, collaborative relationships.

The week culminated with the iN4iN LATAM conference on Thursday 8th, which featured diverse speakers from the IN4IN network. The conference included insightful case studies on capacity building and service learning, underscoring how universities can drive societal change—not just by generating knowledge, but by building meaningful connections with the wider world.

With these strengthened partnerships and expanded networks, the iN4iN project is well-positioned to foster sustainable innovation for years to come, exemplifying how academic institutions can be powerful catalysts for transformative change.

]]> https://sdginnovationalliance.org/research-stay-universidad-del-rosario-colombia-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=research-stay-universidad-del-rosario-colombia-2 Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:31:09 +0000 https://sdginnovationalliance.org/?p=555 News

By Eric Alvarado Barrantes, Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN)

As part of the project “Fostering Innovation Management and University Business Linkages at Higher Education Institutions – iN4iN LATAM Chapter”, developed by the University of Leipzig in Germany, Universidad del Rosario in Colombia, Universidad Cayetano Heredia in Peru, and Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) in Costa Rica, between October 21 and November 1, researcher Eric Alvarado Barrantes conducted his research stay at the facilities of the Entrepreneurship Center at Universidad del Rosario in Bogota, Colombia.  For two weeks, the space served to develop a series of activities with other academics from the host university, as well as with academics from the Cayetano Heredia University, who were also visiting.

Among the actions carried out, it is worth mentioning the participation in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship classes with students and professors from different majors of the School of Management, where they were able to see some of the methodologies applied for the generation and analysis of innovative business ideas.  In addition, there was a guided visit to UR STEAM and direct experiences in their laboratories for the evaluation of prototypes, including sensory analysis using specialized equipment and technology.

On the other hand, there was an opportunity to coordinate some possible linkage actions between the direction of the International Business major there and the Foreign Trade major taught at UTN.  As a first initiative, the academic and director of the major, Juan Camilo Sanchez, gave a lecture on the “Economic Outlook of Colombia” for the International Economics course that is being taught at the moment. In addition, possibilities were explored to develop other activities such as mirror classes with the invitation of professors from both universities, business missions to promote the mobility of both students and professors, and the implementation of COIL projects.  Another of the activities carried out was a visit to the Graduate School of Business (GSB), where they were able to learn about the details of the executive programs offered, as well as about the model used to stimulate the development of both graduate and executive programs aimed at strategic populations.

Furthermore, UTN participated in the panel on Innovative Education Models within the MWeek organized by the School of Management.  This panel allowed a dialogue between students and academics about the linkage model used in different universities and, in the case of the UTN, specific success stories related to the use of organic waste in some agricultural activities in the country were explained.

Finally, the stay served to advance in the implementation of the research study “Understanding the Implementation Challenges of Circular Economy in Costa Rica: Bridging Global Trends with Regional Realities” which is being carried out parallelly with similar research in Colombia and Peru as part of the expected products of this project.

]]> https://sdginnovationalliance.org/research-stay-universidad-del-rosario-colombia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=research-stay-universidad-del-rosario-colombia Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:22:53 +0000 https://sdginnovationalliance.org/?p=548 News
By Joe Lucero, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH)

In a collaborative effort to strengthen innovation management and foster connections between universities and the private sector, representatives from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) participated in an academic research stay at Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1. This initiative, part of the project “Fostering Innovation Management and University Business Linkages at Higher Education Institutions – iN4iN LATAM Chapter”, brought together leading academic institutions from Germany, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru, creating a platform for shared learning and innovative exchange.

A key aspect of the visit was the exploration of the UR STEAM Lab, a state-of-the-art facility spanning over 1,700 square meters. This innovative hub houses specialized spaces such as a Shopper Lab, for analyzing consumer behavior; a Branding Lab, equipped with Eye Tracking technology to monitor visual engagement; and Face Coding Technology, for analyzing emotional reactions to digital and print media. The Experience Lab stands out for hosting Latin America’s largest and most advanced Gesell Chamber (a one-way mirror observation room) used for human behavior analysis, sensory perception studies, and communication research. The chamber is complemented by two additional spaces: one for academic instruction and another for business services, highlighting its adaptability for diverse applications. Other facilities include a Smart Logistics Lab, a scaled production plant incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies, and makerspaces with 3D printers for prototyping and fostering creativity.

This innovative environment inspired the UPCH team to consider how similar spaces could be adapted to their context, particularly to enhance interdisciplinary innovation in health sciences and education.

The experience was further enriched through participation in the Innovation course led by Professor Aglaya Batz, which introduced students to global innovation systems and practices from various countries. This session underscored the potential for adapting these models to meet Peru’s specific needs, especially in the field of healthcare, offering insights into the design of scalable and context-sensitive solutions.

Collaboration opportunities were also explored during discussions between Juan Camilo Sánchez, Head of Internationalization at the Faculty of Management at Universidad del Rosario, and Karin Vargas, Director of Academic Programs at UPCH. Topics included the potential for implementing Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, joint virtual classrooms, and executive education programs tailored to Peru’s healthcare landscape. These initiatives aim to leverage UPCH’s expertise as a leader in the sector, creating impactful educational offerings.

In addition, UPCH representatives Miguel Mendoza, Head of the Development and Research Management Unit at the Graduate School, and Joe Lucero, Coordinator of Innovation and Foresight at the Graduate School, visited Universidad del Rosario’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) to learn about their strategies for executive education. These insights will contribute to UPCH’s efforts to enhance its graduate programs, addressing the needs of professionals in key sectors with innovative and strategic approaches.

The research stay highlighted the value of international collaboration, particularly in ongoing projects involving Colombia, Costa Rica, and Germany. These partnerships, including research on circular economy practices, demonstrate the potential of shared expertise to address pressing global and regional challenges.

This immersive experience solidified UPCH’s dedication to innovation an

d collaboration, opening doors for transformative educational and research initiatives that respond to Peru’s evolving needs in healthcare and beyond.

We are excited to announce the upcoming SDG Partnership Meeting and In4In International Conference on Service Learning at Higher Education Institutions 2024. This prestigious event will take place from August 5th to August 9th, 2024, at the Universidad del Rosario, Sede del Emprendimiento, Innovación y Creación (SEIC) in Bogotá, Colombia.

As part of an annual conference series dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainable development, this year’s event promises to be a pivotal gathering for academics, practitioners, and policymakers from around the globe. The focus will be on service learning within higher education institutions, highlighting its critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Universidad del Rosario, located at Calle 200 between Carrera 7 and Autopista Norte, will serve as the perfect venue for this dynamic and interdisciplinary conference. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a series of thought-provoking sessions, workshops, and networking events designed to inspire and drive meaningful change.

The SDG Partnership Meeting will facilitate in-depth discussions on how universities can integrate service learning into their curricula to promote sustainability, community engagement, and social responsibility. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the conference aims to develop actionable strategies and collaborative projects that address global and local challenges.

Keynote speakers from leading institutions and organizations will share their insights on best practices and innovative approaches to service learning. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, fostering an environment of collaboration and shared learning.

We invite all stakeholders interested in higher education, sustainable development, and community service to join us in Bogotá on August 8th, 2024, from 9:00 to 13:00 (Colombia time). This dedicated session will provide a unique platform for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and exploring new ways to empower students, enhance academic curricula, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be part of a transformative experience at the SDG Partnership Meeting and In4In International Conference on Service Learning at Higher Education Institutions 2024. Stay tuned for more details and registration information as the event approaches.

We look forward to this even in Bogotá in August!