CUBAN HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE CURRENT SCENARIO OF THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION SYSTEM

This paper starts from the broad approach of innovation systems and the role that in these systems corresponds to higher education as a key actor in the processes of production, dissemination and use of relevant knowledge for sustainable development. This approach underlines that, in addition to research, development and innovation activities, higher education contributes to the science, technology and innovation system (STI System) through diverse activities such as the training of human potential, training processes, scientific advice to governments and companies, local development, among others. All of this is consistent with the Cuban university model. The combined action of the implementation of a set of new legal norms, the Economic and Social Strategy and the government management system based on science and innovation, have created a favorable scenario for the strengthening of the role and impact of higher education in the STI System. The analysis of the performance indicators is carried out in the last stage and it is concluded from the results obtained that there are significant advances and also greater potential in linking higher education with the economic and social environment and proposals are made for its improvement.