"Fostering innovation ecosystems is fundamental" by Maria Sanmartin

At American universities, learning goes beyond the classroom. There is a strong emphasis on how students can apply their knowledge and contribute to projects that drive change. Thanks to this support, I have been able to expand my horizons beyond theory and formulas on a whiteboard. At NYU, it is mandatory to take six courses in humanities and ethics, with the goal of shaping holistic engineers who can clearly communicate their ideas and consider their socio-environmental impact.

Comparing my experience as a Mechanical Engineering student with that of my peers in Barcelona, I notice a significant difference in the university mindset. In Spain, the system focuses on deep intellectual knowledge with less connection to the professional and practical world. With dedicated faculty and a curriculum centered on projects and idea development, it is possible to spark students' curiosity to understand and apply the material taught in class. Without neglecting the essential technical and theoretical foundation in engineering, fostering innovation ecosystems is fundamental.

Read the full article here.

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