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Theme: The Triple Helix and innovation-based economic growth: new frontiers and solutions
Sub-theme: 15. Entrepreneurship as the key element of innovation-based economic growth
DEVELOPING AN ECOSYSTEM THAT ENCOURAGES INNOVATION
THROUGH UNDERGRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORTED BY A
SOCIAL NETWORK OF INTEREST GROUPS: EXPERIENCES OF E-QUIPU IN PERU
Author:
Ronnie GUERRA. General Coordinator of E-QUIPU. Professor of Entrepreneurial
Development in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.
Email: guerra.rh@pucp.edu.pe.
Co-authors:
Carlos VERA. Principal Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Pontifical
Catholic University of Peru. Email: cvera@pucp.pe
José RAU. Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Pontifical
Catholic University of Peru. Email: jrau@pucp.edu.pe
Enrique QUISPE. Project Coordinator of the E-QUIPU. Professor, Centre for Innovation
and Development at Pontifical Catholic University of Peru Email: enrique.quispe@pucp.pe
Keywords:
Entrepreneurial university, higher education, university governance, student guilds, student
academia.
Abstract
The ecosystem of innovation in Peru is still very weak. While the "Triple Helix", is
observed as one of the most accepted models to generate this environment of
interaction in a country, it is very difficult to implement; strongly due to cultural issues
affecting the vast majority of Peruvian universities do not interact for mutual benefit with
industry or the State. Still, there is an opportunity for change following that Peru has a
high rate of entrepreneurship, also evidenced in universities and highly in
undergraduates. The challenge is to efficiently coordinate these activities so that in this
way, from the "non-formal" field to "move" to the university itself as these institutions are
very reluctant to change and innovation. In this context, since 2006 E-QUIPU launched a
social network on the Web that promotes joint ventures emerged in college, and greater
acceptance in undergraduate. Also, because multiple experiences has been noted that
the university is like a small country, has channeled the efforts of the E-QUIPU to be an
effective coordinator between three important entities, called 2013 as "Hidden Triad",
which are: interest groups, student unions and university governance. According to
recent experience, this joint is considered important not only for the results of
cooperation we are getting; but also for the future you want for Peruvian universities.