Roberto S. Murphy ArteagaInstituto Nacional de Astrofísica,

Óptica y Electrónica

Overhauling Engineering Education in Latin America

Collaborators:

Ramiro Jordán, UNMWilfrido Moreno, USFDulce García, ISTECFernando Guarín, IBMÁlvaro Maury, SilTerraPankaj Gadani, SilTerra

Outline Engineering education: Current

Situation Challenges Proposals ISTEC Conclusions

Current Situation:

oThe number of students enrolled in engineering programs has not changed significantly in the last few decades.

oThose who are enrolled in Latin American universities are at a disadvantage compared to those in Europe or the US.

Deficiencies:

Outdated curricula.Heterogeneous curricula. Limited mobility.Uni-disciplinary approach.Team work is not encouraged.

Deficiencies:Proyect-Learning methods are

ignored.Insipient innovation.Null entrepreneurship The “Brain Drain” is still a factor

affecting the region.

Deficiencies:

There is not enough relation with industry.

There are limited “high technology” enterprises in the region.

The competences being learned by students do not allow them to compete against other regions.

ProposalsUpdating curricula.Standardizing criteria.Fostering entrepreneurship.Involving industry.

Updating Curricula:

A Project Learning approach.Multidisciplinary.Team work.Research stays in industry.

Standarizing Criteria:Engineers with the same

competences regardless of country of origin (Engineer of the Americas).

Internationally recognized programs.

Fostering Entrepreneurship:

Developing innovation and creativity.

Scientific research from early stages on.

Creating opportunities to establish enterprises.

Involving Industry:

Participation in curricula planning.

Joint research projects.Long-term research stays.

What do we want to achieve?Highly prepared engineers

and researchers regardless of country.

Solution to the region’s problems, notwithstanding social, cultural and political borders.

What do we want to achieve?

More dynamic mobility; students, teachers, in research centers, in the industry, across borders.

The creation of high-technology industries, with a philanthropy approach.

The creation of value-added jobs so to slow-down the brain drain.

What do we want to achieve?

How is this being done?

Working with people for people in the region since 1990 to improve quality-of-life through education and use of technology.

Conclusions:

Engineering in Latin America has to be re-engineered.

With homogeneous curricula and uniform competences, mobility can be enhanced.

Fostering entrepreneurship to create value-added jobs.

Innovation and creativity to contribute to technological development, from Latin America to the world.

Thank you very much for your kind attention!

Thank you very much for your kind attention!

rmurphy@inaoep.mx