Educational models for strengthening the sustainable business system in Ecuador

Abstract

The environmental crisis, economic inequality, and digital transformation, along with the need to transition toward more responsible and resilient business models, have become an imperative for the development of companies in Ecuador. This research aims to analyze the current educational models in Ecuador and their capacity to strengthen a sustainable business system, identifying their advances, limitations, and opportunities. The study adopts a quantitative exploratory approach. To this end, a cluster analysis will be applied, a multivariate statistical technique that allows grouping elements (institutions, programs, or educational initiatives) according to their similarity with respect to key variables. Twenty-four training programs from different educational institutions were analyzed. The cluster groups advanced educational models with a holistic approach aligned with international sustainability standards. They promote transformational leadership, social innovation, and critical thinking. Business sustainability education in Ecuador exhibits a high degree of fragmentation and inequality in its implementation. The cluster analysis identified three types of educational models with distinct approaches (technical-applied, university-integral, and environmental-community), which evidences the absence of a common framework to guide professional training toward a shared sustainability vision. Universities with an integral approach demonstrate greater institutional maturity in forming sustainable leaders. These institutions display high levels of alignment with the SDGs, active methodologies, partnerships with the productive sector, and emphasis on ethics and social responsibility. Their role is key as a benchmark and coordinator of good educational practices, with the capacity to influence the business system and public policies.