Fifteen universities in Ecuador are among the best in Latin America and the Caribbean: find out which ones they are

Teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international perspective were the indicators that were analyzed for the ranking from Latin American universities Times Higher Education.

This list listed 197 institutions in 13 countries, of which 15 are Ecuadorian and were rated among the best in the Latin American and Caribbean region. In 2021, 177 universities were analyzed.

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In first place is the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, which has held that position for the fourth consecutive year, while the Brazilian universities of Sao Paulo and Campinas remain in second and third place, respectively.

Regarding Ecuador, fifteen educational institutions are mentioned. In position 58 is the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, which obtained 52 points. In position 65 of the ranking general and second as an Ecuadorian is the Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES) with 49.7 points. Then, the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (Espol) with 48.5 points and is ranked 72nd. The others are ranked between 101 – 125.

Here is the complete list:

• San Francisco de Quito University, position 58.
• Espíritu Santo University (UEES), position 65.
• Higher Polytechnic School of the Coast, position 72.
• National Polytechnic School, rank 101 – 125.
• University of the Americas, range 101 – 125.
• Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, rank 101 – 125.
• UTE University, range 101 – 125.
• University of the Armed Forces ESPE, rank 126 – 150.
• Salesian Polytechnic University, rank 126 – 150.
• Catholic University of Cuenca, rank greater than 151.
• Chimborazo Higher Polytechnic School, rank greater than 151.
• National University of Chimborazo, rank greater than 151.
• Private Technical University of Loja (UTPL), rank greater than 151.
• Israel Technological University. It does not contain a range.
• Pacific university. It does not contain a range.

In it ranking There are also other countries, such as Argentina with the Universidad Austral in position 44. The Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, occupying position 13 in the region, among others.

Ricardo Rivera, academic director of the Liceo Albonor, considers that these indicators are important because show the academic performance and training profile of professionals. However, he considers that to climb more positions it is necessary to update and contextualize learning.

“We have made leaps and bounds in higher education, the international verification and standardization parameters have shown it, but we lack ground in updating and contextualizing the message, in responding to a social need. You have to manage more flexible curricula for university students, understand what surrounds you and how you are going to respond and socialize this problem ”, she mentions.

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However, Rolando Pazmiño, rector of the Tecnoecuadorian Higher Technological Institutebelieves that it is necessary to expand the headquarters or institutions, especially in territories with little or no offer.

“Have to work, there are provinces that do not have universities and people have to migrate and they stay in the main cities. Pertinent studies must be carried out on where they should exist, not open where there are more proposals, but rather look for correct spaces. In the East there is not much offer or in some sectors of the Coast”, says Pazmiño and adds that improving the quality of education with a view to internationalization is the key.

While, Daniel Calderón, dean of the Faculty of Human Ecology, Education and Development of the Casa Grande University, think that there are three challenges to overcome. First, respond to current training demands. “That seek to be more flexible and of shorter duration, and at the same time offer a training offer that provides the necessary components to graduate competent professionals”, he comments.

As a second challenge, he points out that it is necessary to find out how professional training can be assumed “as a task that does not end with traditional careers”. And finally, affirms that it is essential to strengthen the role of the university in society. “Not that they act independently, as is still the case in many universities; and, towards the outside, that they act as a body and not as a competition”, affirms Calderón. (YO)