With the presentation of proposals for solutions to existing problems in the region, mainly in the agricultural area, young people from the different communes of Tarapacá successfully completed the diploma course “Rural social innovation, comparative lessons on technology inclusion.” This training session was provided free of charge by the Rural Youth 4.0 project, executed by the SEK University with financing from the Innovation Fund for Competitiveness (FIC) of the Regional Government of Tarapacá.
It was in the premises of the Hotel Diego de Almagro where the students gathered to participate in the last session of the diploma, which was attended by a jury in charge of evaluating the innovative ideas developed by each group, based on the knowledge acquired throughout the program.
The projects presented by the four working groups were focused on the lack of technological knowledge among the inhabitants of rural areas of the Tarapacá Region, which is why they generated proposals aimed at offering digital training services and implementation of technologies in agricultural work with the purpose of achieving more efficient and environmentally friendly productions.
Juan Brito was one of the students who participated in the diploma since last January, to which he applied motivated by the interest of obtaining more knowledge about social innovation, in order to participate in the execution of different social strategies. “In this case we had to address the issue of agriculture 4.0 and, although I am very far from that area, we learned great technical concepts on how to implement technology in rural communities that are quite far from the city,” commented the technical artist.
At the end of their presentations, the students joyfully received the certificate of participation in this initiative. Carolina Araya expressed that, although she now has the knowledge, the challenge is how to bring agriculture 4.0 to reality. This, considering that “agriculture (in the region) is still very far from technology.”
The judge
The exhibited works were rated by Joshua Langenegger, professional from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Development and Industry Division of the Regional Government of Tarapacá; and Tania Etcheverry, director of the Construction, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency areas of INACAP Iquique.
“During the presentations, the students’ sensitivity to the specific needs of certain localities was reflected, as well as their genuine commitment to positive change (…). From improvements in connectivity to training and empowerment programs, the proposals presented reflected a deep understanding of local dynamics and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of its inhabitants,” said Etcheverry about the projects presented.
THE PROJECT
This diploma is part of the initiatives implemented by the Rural Youth 4.0 project with the objective of promoting the regional system of social innovation through the organization of a collaborative and multi-actor space, which provides opportunities to the rural youth of Tarapacá both for the design of solutions creative responses to the climate and energy crisis, as well as to strengthen capacities for innovative entrepreneurship.
In this regard, María Laura Navarrete, researcher and coordinator of the SEK University team, pointed out that “as a Rural Youth 4.0 project we have developed various initiatives where young people from the seven communes of the region have been and are the protagonists. Today we finish this diploma, but we continue working. Thus, for example, we have the Social Innovation Contest whose 10 winners are in the process of implementing their prototypes, which we will soon announce and we hope that they will serve as inspiration so that many more young people can realize their innovative ideas.”
