Influence of Digital Competencies on the Sustainable Employability of Future Engineers: Evidence from the Agro-Industrial Sector of the Northern Macro-Region

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the effect of Industry 4.0–oriented Digital Competencies on Green Employability Intention among future engineers in the agroindustrial sector of Peru’s Northern Macro-Region, while also assessing the direct effect of University–Industry Linkages (UIL) and its moderating role. A quantitative approach was applied using a non-experimental, cross-sectional, explanatory design. A 12-item Likert questionnaire was administered to 384 students enrolled in the 7th to 10th academic cycles, and hypotheses were tested through Structural Equation Modeling. Measurement results showed strong psychometric properties (high factor loadings, reliability α/ω=.89–.93, AVE>.67, and adequate discriminant validity) and the structural model exhibited satisfactory fit (CFI=.965; TLI=.958; RMSEA=.052; SRMR=.041). Findings supported that digital competencies positively and significantly predicted green employability intention (β=0.35; p<.001), and UIL also had a significant positive direct effect (β=0.28; p<.001). Importantly, UIL moderated the main relationship (β=0.18; p=.001), strengthening the effect at higher linkage levels (β=0.53) and indicating a functional threshold around 2.90. It was concluded that green employability intention was shaped by the joint contribution of digital capital and institutional connectivity. Recommendations included embedding measurable environmental challenges into Industry 4.0 training, expanding internships and joint projects with firms, and prioritizing partnerships with organizations demonstrating verifiable sustainability practices.