Competency-Based Engineering Education: Development of Commercial Skills in Academic Contexts

Abstract

Higher education in engineering faces the challenge of integrating technical training with the development of transversal competencies that meet the demands of the labour market and the requirements of a globalised economy, highlighting the growing importance of commercial skills, which enable engineers to operate effectively in technical domains while also leading management, innovation, and entrepreneurial processes. In Latin America, particularly in Ecuador and Argentina, the integration of these competencies becomes a significant issue due to changes in production systems, technological innovation, and the need to connect universities with the business sector. This systematic review, conducted following the PRISMA protocol, examines how competency-based engineering education addresses commercial skills, identifying advances, limitations, and opportunities within the training processes. The findings indicate progress in the incorporation of technical and transversal competencies, although the development of commercial skills remains at an early stage, especially in Ecuador, and challenges persist regarding the rigidity of curricula and the limited collaboration between universities and companies. These results underscore the need to strengthen pedagogical strategies that prepare well-rounded engineers capable of generating value, leading projects, and responding to regional challenges.