Aporte de los proyectos de investigación e innovación de la ULEAM al modelo de las N- Hélices.

Abstract

This research addresses the role of the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM) in the N-Helix model, analyzing how its research and innovation projects contribute to regional development and how they are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a mixed descriptive and non-experimental approach, the scientific production of 593 teachers is examined, evaluating their presence in international academic platforms such as ORCID, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearcGate and Academia, and their capacity to generate innovative projects. The results reveal that the faculties of Engineering, Industry and Architecture, and the faculty of Administrative Sciences, Accounting and Commerce, lead in projects, but significant challenges persist, such as insufficient financing and scarce specialized training. Opportunities are identified to improve these conditions through strategies that strengthen institutional capacities and promote collaboration with external actors. This analysis concludes that, despite the progress achieved, it is necessary to implement strategies that strengthen institutional capacities, promote collaboration with external sectors and optimize the impact of projects. In this way, ULEAM will be able to consolidate itself as a key player in regional development and in the Ecuadorian innovation ecosystem.