Academic networks in higher education: the case study of the Association of Montevideo Group Universities

Abstract

The internationalization of higher education is recognized as one of the most important ways to respond to the growing demands that entail the economic, social and environmental development derived from the global environment, from the Latin American and Caribbean region and from each of the countries that they integrate it. In this context, strengthening the capacities of university academic networks plays an essential role. The objective of this article is to substantiate the relevance of these networks, through the analysis of some theoretical references, the proposals of regional and world conferences on higher education and studies and research background developed by some authors. In its content, three essential ideas are highlighted: the need to conceptualize internationalization based on the context of influence; the importance that academic networks and their components have acquired to respond to the growing demands for generation, transfer and socialization of knowledge, as well as the key factors that require their development, and some structural characteristics of the operation, contributions and challenges of the Association of Montevideo Group Universities. As the main conclusion, it can be stated that this network meets these requirements and has become a expanded common academic space based on academic cooperation between several universities from different countries in the region that has promoted collaborative and horizontal research, extension, and innovation. and other activities with a programmatic, supportive and integrationist current and future projection.