Disposición y validación de dimensiones del perfil emprendedor en la formación universitaria de la UPEC

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The Polytechnic State University of Carchi (UPEC) positions entrepreneurial education as one of its strategic pillars within its academic training process, aligning it with an ecological-contextual approach. OBJECTIVE. To configure and empirically validate the dimensions of the entrepreneurial profile within UPEC’s university education, comparing them with existing theories and environmental demands. METHOD. The methodology is based on two studies: the first, correlational in nature, identified predominant profiles oriented toward success as either a salesperson or a manager; the second, using factor analysis, validated four new dimensions—decisive, effective, systematic, and confident. These characteristics were subsequently developed through experiential learning in three specific courses entitled Entrepreneurial Chair, employing active methodologies such as Design Thinking and hands-on workshops. RESULTS. The findings reveal a shift in students’ perspectives, moving from an employment-centered mindset to embracing entrepreneurship as a viable and realistic option. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. Among the identified challenges are the need to strengthen business feasibility assessments, differentiate between training and enhancement roles, and consolidate a stable faculty aligned with the institutional model.