Innovation in Nicaragua: analysis of the National Polytechnical University student participation at the National Innovation Rally 2024

Abstract

The study underlines the preponderant role of innovation for socioeconomic development, highlighting the National Innovation Rally (RNI) as a strategic platform at a national level for the positioning of the student community at the forefront of innovation projects in response to contextual needs. The article registers a case study under a constructivist and hermeneutic approach, cross-sectional, based on documentary review findings, non-participant observation, and group discussion. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was implemented in three strata of the population. The results highlight the effectiveness of the strategies implemented in the phases of the event, among which the following stand out: the establishment of an organization commission, the personal invitation to students and mentors, and the management of institutional resources to carry out the event. These factors, together with the willingness and skill of the students, positioned the UNP in second place at the national level. However, despite the effectiveness of these practices, institutional gaps, such as the management of the knowledge produced during the event and the assurance of interdisciplinarity during team building, have been identified and need to be overcome. In conclusion, the participants confirm that involvement in the RNI 2024 represented a space for learning that strengthened the integral development of the students, allowing them to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a competitive environment of respect, learning, and constant challenges at a technical and socioemotional level. Finally, eight strategic actions are recommended for future participation in this type of events.