The State of Morelos: Towards a Knowledge Society? Considerations Based on the Development of Science, Higher Education and ICT

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of some of the gains and constraints in the process of construction of a knowledge society in the state of Morelos, Mexico, focusing mainly on the development and use of ICT and on the role of institutions of higher education (IES- acronym in Spanish). To this end, documentary and field research methods were applied; interviews were conducted with experts and a case study from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos [Autonomous University of the State of Morelos] is reported. The following conclusions were highlighted: a) while Morelos has made significant progress in scientific and technological matters, challenges remain in order to be able to even speak of a knowledge society; b) the fact that institutions of higher education have ICT does not necessarily mean that they have adequately appropriated them and employ them to improve their processes; and c) institutions of higher education need to generate outreach programs that engage with the region so that technological developments are translated into benefits for the people of Morelos.

Keywords

• TIC
• sociedad del conocimiento
• educación superior
• ciencia y tecnología.