Universities and youth entrepreneurship: strategies to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ambato

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the role of universities in strengthening youth entrepreneurship in the city of Ambato, with the purpose of identifying the limitations of the entrepreneurial environment and the opportunities for improvement in teaching and learning processes. The research was conducted under a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Surveys were administered to students from the Faculty of Business Management at UNIANDES University, and interviews were conducted with professors and entrepreneurship tutors, complemented by a documentary analysis of institutional policies and plans. The results showed that most young people recognized the positive influence of academic training on the success of their ventures, although they faced practical limitations and weak links with the productive sector. Through the application of the multicriteria TOPSIS method, three institutional strategies were prioritized, determining that the creation of a network connecting the productive and financial sectors was the most suitable alternative due to its comprehensive and sustainable nature. It was concluded that the articulation between universities, companies, and financial entities constitutes a key element to foster sustainable entrepreneurship, strengthen innovation, and promote local economic development, thereby consolidating a replicable model for other educational institutions.