The role of academia in public sector development projects: an analysis of projects by Gabriel García Moreno and Rafael Correa

Abstract

Beginning in the 19th century, each successive government has implemented a series of policies that evidence its own national development vision. These visions -in general- have been linked exclusively to the economic realm. This study analyzes development policies implemented by Gabriel Garcia Moreno and Rafael Correa, which, although they occurred a century apart, present many similarities in the relationship established between academia, the public sector and development. This research used a methodology based on historical data exploration, which allowed sequential analysis of the data. The comparative analysis of both projects showed that, during these two governments, science and technology became a fundamental axis for national development. As a result, these governments placed great emphasis on the integration of academia to State political-public projects as a means to transform the Country's productive matrix. This led the academic sector to see and understand its environment through the lens of the State and to respond only to its specific requirements.