Análisis de la vinculación académica de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional con las pymes del sector de alimentos del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito

Abstract

In Ecuador, SMEs (small and medium enterprises) together with micro-enterprises, form 95% of the business fabric, which has prompted the government to enact several policies to improve its development and performance (MIPRO, 2017). However, including the university within this process has proved to be a challenge. The universities themselves have the mission of contributing to the needs of society. This is the case of the National Polytechnic School, a university that is in category A after the evaluation of CEAACES (2017), which recently established the Vice-Rectorate of Research and Social Projection that is in charge of the relationship with society. This research is aimed at diagnosing the current situation, relationships and mechanisms of connection with the industry, especially with SMEs in the food sector. The importance of this sector lies in the fact that Ecuador is an agricultural country by nature (National Secretariat of Planning and Development, 2017). The data obtained was based on the application of a survey to a sample of around 30 companies within the Metropolitan District of Quito representing the analyzed sector, which allows to know the opinion on topics of connection with the university. In addition, an interview was applied to representatives of the linkage to have a greater depth on the university's position on the link. Through these two tools, it was identified problems, barriers and challenges that are affecting the relationship with the industry.