International Academic Cooperation and Capacity Development in Engineering Education: The UPM–ESPOL Case Study

Abstract

International academic cooperation constitutes a relevant mechanism for strengthening advanced training and scientific production in higher education institutions. However, it is frequently assessed through mobility metrics, without detailing how institutional mechanisms are organized or what research orientations emerge from these partnerships. For this reason, the main objective is to analyze the UPM–ESPOL case through a humanitarian engineering dimensions framework in order to identify strategic axes of international university cooperation. The study was conducted in three phases: (i) documentary delimitation of the case study; (ii) thematic analysis of academic production; and (iii) strategic analysis of academic cooperation. Academic production was concentrated in water resources, environment, mining, and infrastructure. Four cooperation axes were identified: advanced training, academic mobility, applied research orientation, and institutional articulation through networks and projects. The analysis shows convergence between the identified thematic orientations and dimensions associated with humanitarian engineering (territorial needs, technological applications, and R&D). The case provides elements for analyzing interuniversity cooperation in terms of institutional mechanisms and research orientation.