Community Engagement
The Linkage with Society of the University of the Armed Forces ESPE is the body in charge of managing, coordinating and strengthening the interaction between the university and society, through programs, projects and initiatives aimed at the transfer of knowledge, technology, innovation, community service, entrepreneurship and social development. Their actions contribute to the fulfillment of the substantive function of linking with society established in the regulations of higher education in Ecuador.
It articulates the participation of teachers, students, researchers and external actors in processes aimed at meeting the needs of the community, productive sectors, public institutions and priority attention groups, promoting sustainable and relevant solutions in accordance with the National Development Plan and the institutional objectives of the ESPE.
Historically, the link in the ESPE began in 1994 with the Directorate of Development of Extension and Production Projects. Subsequently, in 2008, the Outreach Management Unit was created and, since 2013, it has operated as the Outreach Unit, consolidating institutional processes related to social projects, pre-professional internships, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfer.
Efficiently manage the institutional system of linkage with society, promoting the integration of academia with the social and productive environment through programs, projects and activities that generate social impact, strengthen university social responsibility and contribute to local, regional and national development.
Likewise, the Unit seeks to democratize access to scientific and technological knowledge, promoting participatory, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary processes that contribute to the solution of social problems and the improvement of the quality of life of the population.
Efficiently manage the institutional system of linkage with society, promoting the integration of academia with the social and productive environment through programs, projects and activities that generate social impact, strengthen university social responsibility and contribute to local, regional and national development.
Likewise, the Unit seeks to democratize access to scientific and technological knowledge, promoting participatory, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary processes that contribute to the solution of social problems and the improvement of the quality of life of the population.
The Linkage with Society coordinates and supervises institutional linkage actions in all ESPE campuses, headquarters, departments and careers, guaranteeing the correct planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects.
Its scope includes, among others, the following areas:
- Social and community projects.
- Pre-professional work and community service internships.
- Knowledge and technology transfer.
Continuing education. - Innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Dissemination and application of scientific results.
- Cooperation with public, private and community institutions.
- Monitoring and impact of outreach programs and projects.
It also administers guidelines, instructions and institutional procedures to ensure that liaison activities comply with current national and internal regulations.
The Linkage with Society plays a strategic role within the ESPE by articulating the substantive functions of teaching, research and linkage with society, promoting the practical application of the knowledge generated in the university.
Among his main responsibilities are:
- To coordinate the institutional system of linkage with society.
- Formulate institutional policies, guidelines, and procedures related to linkage.
- Manage calls and processes for programs and projects linked to society.
- Monitor and evaluate results and impacts.
- Promote university social responsibility.
Strengthen strategic alliances with public and private entities and social organizations. - Facilitate spaces for student and teacher participation in community projects.
- Promote social innovation and technology transfer initiatives.
It also constitutes a mechanism for permanent interaction between the university and society, allowing the ESPE to actively contribute to sustainable development, the strengthening of the social fabric and the generation of relevant solutions for the needs of the environment.
