The National Commission of Education (CNE) and its contribution to the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nicaragua

Abstract

In Nicaragua, since 2007, there has been a break with the neoliberal model, which implied the absence of policies and guidelines focused on supporting MSMEs. With the inauguration of the Government of Reconstruction and National Unity (GRUN), the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship is positioned as a fundamental strategy at the country level, and the creation of the necessary conditions for its operationalization, from a methodology of consensus and collaboration. This paper focuses on the process of inclusion of entrepreneurship promotion as a country strategy, and the generation of structures and superstructures referred to in the theories of Marx, North and Veblen of institutions. The contribution of the National Education Commission is highlighted, and more specifically the contribution from the higher education subsystem, as a starting point for successful interaction and as a bridge in the operationalization of government plans, programs and projects. It is based on a qualitative methodology, using a review of documents and national events, as well as semi-structured interviews with the most active universities in entrepreneurship issues: UNAN-Managua, UNAN-León and URACCAN. It can be seen how the clear line of work from the governmental position has facilitated the joint work agenda on innovation and entrepreneurship issues, since the creation of the National Education Commission, establishing a culture of consensus work, unified agendas and linked efforts. The elements of the ecosystem, under the leadership of the Secretariat of Creative Economy and MEFCCA, have developed links among themselves, moving beyond individual efforts towards a system with unified results. Highlighting the role of universities as catalysts and dynamizers of the ecosystem, assuming challenges beyond knowledge transfer.