Strategic Proposals to Diversify Environmental Sustainability Training in Engineering Academic Programs and their Articulation with the Productive Sector of Cesar

Abstract

Introduction: This article evaluates and proposes strategic actions to integrate environmental sustainability as a transversal axis in the academic programs of the Faculty of Engineering and Technological Sciences at the Universidad Popular del Cesar.

Methods: A qualitative methodology was employed, including semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, documentary analysis of institutional plans, and thematic categorization of the data collected.

Resultados y Conclusions: The findings reveal significant gaps in the integration of sustainability-related content within the curricula, highlighting enablers such as partnerships with the productive sector and inhibitors like the lack of curricular transversality. Furthermore, the study identifies critical areas for improvement, including strengthening transversal competencies, fostering curricular innovation, and consolidating connections with the productive sector. The discussion emphasizes the need for systemic changes, proposing actionable solutions to address these gaps and enhance alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conclusions underline the importance of academic-industry collaboration in forming professionals capable of leading sustainable development initiatives in the Cesar region.