Scientia et PRAXIS

Paths to Sustainability: Innovative Solutions in Food, Water, and Entrepreneurship

Ana Laura Bojórquez-Carrillo — 2024-12-18

This volume has been coordinated by Dr. Ana Laura Bojórquez-Carrillo and Dr. Anel Flores-Novelo, professors and researchers of the Cuerpo Académico Mercadotecnia, Innovación, y Desarrollo (MID) at the Facultad de Contaduría y Administración (FCA) of the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY), México in collaboration with the Academia Mexicana de Investigación y Docencia en Innovación (AMIDI).

The articles published in this issue are the result of work conducted within the framework of the Agro-Food Trade Corridor for Popular and Solidarity Commerce in the Milpa and Biocultural Regions of Puuc in Yucatán Project (No. 321286), under the Programa Nacional Estratégico de Seguridad Alimentaria (PRONAII), led by the Intermunicipal Biocultural Board of the Puuc and funded by the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT).

This initiative has benefited from the support of the Red de Investigación en Negocios, Innovación y Economía para el Desarrollo (RINIED), integrated by the Cuerpo Académico en Consolidación de Mercadotecnia, Innovación y Desarrollo (UADY-CA-125), the Cuerpo Académico Consolidado Economía, Sustentabilidad y Nanotecnología (UAZ-CA-251), the Cuerpo Académico en Consolidación Estudios Estratégicos para Negocios e Instituciones (UJAT-CA- 234), the Cuerpo Académico en Formación Creatividad, Innovación y Emprendimiento (UACJ-CA-120). These collaborations have been essential in generating the academic outputs presented in this issue.

The topics addressed in this volume are based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of innovation in products, processes, organization, and marketing outlined in the Oslo Manual, developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Higher education institutions play a key role in fostering positive changes that contribute to achieving the SDGs and promoting innovation within organizations. This volume primarily focuses on issues related to food security, access to water, and promoting social and sustainable entrepreneurship.

It highlights the need for joint efforts involving citizen participation, governments, civil society organizations, and higher education institutions to tackle complex challenges and resolve issues arising in these areas, especially in rural zones and among the most vulnerable groups still lacking equitable access to resources and opportunities.

This work represents a clear example of how universities contribute to solving social problems, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of communities.

We extend our gratitude to AMIDI for the opportunity to publish and disseminate these results, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on initiatives that improve the quality of life for society as a whole.

Towards Sustainable Water Management in Mexico: Agroecological Innovation and Polycentric Governance

Juanita Japheth Valdivia-Cabral — 2024-12-17

Context. Mexico has faced a worsening water crisis over the past decades. Between 2014 and 2024,reports by the OECD and the National Water Program highlight the need for comprehensive solutions that integrate environmental sustainability and social equity to address these challenges. Problem. Water management in Mexico is characterized by overexploitation and unequal access. Centralized governance approaches have failed to address this issue equitably and sustainably. This research seeks to answer the question: How can growing scientific development and the synergy between polycentric governance and agroecological practices offer comprehensive solutions to environmental, economic and social challenges in water management in Mexico?

Purpose. To analyze the integration of polycentric governance and agroecological practices as innovative and multidisciplinary strategies for sustainable water management in Mexico, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of the Oslo Manual. Methodology. A bibliographic and bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer to identify patterns and trends between 2014 and 2024. The research applied selection criteria to evaluate the evolution and implications of the strategies adopted during this period.

Theoretical and Practical Findings. The theoretical findings highlight the viability of integrating agroecology as a strategy to achieve the SDGs. From a practical perspective, the study confirms that polycentric governance fosters sustainable innovations in water management, as outlined in the Oslo Manual.

Originality. This research is based on a multidisciplinary approach that promotes innovation for sustainable development. It combines agroecology and polycentric governance, emphasizing their relevance to the 2030 Agenda and the Oslo Manual, addressing water challenges through a multidisciplinary and participatory lens, aligning with SDGs 6, 12, and 15, and promoting practices that foster environmental sustainability and social equity.

Conclusions and Limitations. Combining agroecology and polycentric governance can enhance water use efficiency and equity in distribution. Future research is recommended to explore the integration of polycentric approaches into other natural resources, highlighting how these strategies can adapt to SDGs 6, 12, and 15.

Sustainable Development Through Innovation in Food Security and Eating Habits in Marginalized Families

Mireya Hernández-Islas — 2024-12-17

Context. In southern Mérida, Yucatán, there is a high concentration of AGEBs with significant social disadvantage and populations lacking access to nutritious and quality food. This situation leads to various challenges and necessitates actions to ensure access to sustainable food.

Problem. The deficit in healthy food consumption in these communities reveals significant barriers to adopting improved dietary practices, influenced by various factors. This challenge aligns with SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which aims to guarantee food security and adequate nutrition for all. In this context, it is essential to explore how family perceptions of eating habits affect healthy food consumption in marginalized families and how strategies based on the SDGs can help overcome these barriers. How does the perception of family eating habits influence healthy food consumption in marginalized families?

Purpose. This study analyzes how family perception impacts dietary practices in marginalized areas, advancing sustainable development goals through innovative approaches to food security.

Methodology. A quantitative, non-experimental study was conducted in Mérida, Yucatán, in 2023, using a random sample of 400 families based on INEGI data. The survey included CONEVAL’s food security scale, previously validated to ensure consistency and reliability in the studied context.

Theoretical and Practical Findings. Theoretically, the study contributes to understanding the relationship between perception and food security, while practically, it suggests interventions aligned with the sustainable development goals.

Originality. The research integrates public health, economics, and psychology to address food security through innovation, promoting sustainable development using the Oslo Manual and sustainable development goals as frameworks in marginalized communities.

Conclusions and Limitations. The results highlight the need for food security policies tailored to marginalized contexts.

Innovation in Portfolio Optimization through the Use of Genetic Algorithms for Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Volatile Markets

Juan de Jesús Venegas-Flores — 2024-12-17

Context. In the global financial landscape, marked by heightened economic volatility and constant transformations, entrepreneurs face the challenge of identifying sustainable investment strategies to ensure effective long-term risk management.

Purpose. This study aims to develop a model for optimizing investment portfolios through financial and technological tools to maximize returns in highly volatile environments. Moreover, it aligns with the principles outlined in the Oslo Manual and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Methodology. Markowitz portfolio optimization using a classic genetic algorithm applied to data from 10 companies selected from the technology, health, and finance sectors. This data, obtained from Yahoo Finance, covers the period from 2020 to 2023. The reliability of the models was rigorously validated through internal consistency analysis, ensuring their robustness.

Theoretical and Practical Findings. Theoretical results confirm the applicability of genetic algorithms in optimizing diversified portfolios. In practice, their potential to encourage investments in sustainable companies is evident, aligning with the SDGs by fostering key areas such as industrial innovation.

Originality. This study adopts a multidisciplinary approach by integrating finance and technology in the selection of investment portfolios. The literature review highlights how the synergy between these two fields promotes sustainable development.

Conclusions and limitations. Findings underscore the potential of genetic algorithms to perform in highly volatile contexts. However, the reliance on historical data analysis alone highlights the need for additional studies in real-world environments. These could focus on comparing other optimization models and exploring their impact in regions with diverse market structures.

Transformational Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Students: A Path to Sustainable Educational Development

Carlos Alberto Santamaria-Velasco — 2024-12-18

Context. Given Mexico's socioeconomic challenges, it is imperative to explore alternatives that empower the population. The object of study underlies transformational teacher leadership, which emerges as a positive factor in the development of intrapreneurial competencies among university students.

Problem. Despite educational efforts, transformational leadership in teachers is not widely applied in Mexican universities, limiting the development of entrepreneurial competencies in students. It leads to the following question: How can transformational leadership in teachers promote intrapreneurial behavior in university students in Mexico?

Objective. Identify the characteristics of transformational leadership perceived by students of the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez and its relationship with their intention to intrapreneurship.

Methodology. A mixed approach was employed to analyze students' perceptions of transformational leadership and entrepreneurial intent. Standardized questionnaires (MLQ and Intrapreneurial Behavior) and semi-structured interviews were used with a sample of 50 students. The data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Validity and reliability were ensured using combined methods and analysis in Atlas.ti.

Theoretical and practical findings. Theoretically, the study contributes to the field of educational leadership, validating the effectiveness of transformational leadership in learning contexts. In practice, it suggests that teachers can stimulate intrapreneurship, contributing to sustainable development in Mexico.

Originality. The study presents an innovative approach by combining transformational leadership and intrapreneurship, promoting the development of sustainable entrepreneurial competencies in a multidisciplinary educational environment.

Conclusions. Transformational leadership in teachers promotes intrapreneurial competencies in students. However, the need for longitudinal studies limits understanding of its sustained impact.

Transforming Barriers into Opportunities: Innovation and Sustainability in Local Food Consumption in the Puuc Region, Mexico

Anel Flores-Novelo — 2024-12-18

Context. The Puuc region of Yucatan faces risks due to climate change, loss of natural areas, natural disasters, and changes in consumption preferences that favor external and ultra-processed products.

Problem. Despite high knowledge of local foods, there is low consumption and production, raising the question: What are the main barriers and motivators that influence people's behavior regarding local food consumption?

Objective. To study individual behavior through factors described as motivators and barriers that influence consumption decisions.
Methodology. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. A sample was calculated with a 90% confidence level. Surveys were administered to adults in 7 municipalities of Yucatan during 2023.

Theoretical and Practical Findings. There is knowledge of local products. However, only a minority produces them. The main barriers and motivators affecting local product consumption were identified, highlighting lack of availability, information, and perceived high costs.

Originality. This study combines agricultural, economic, and marketing perspectives to address food security challenges from a transdisciplinary approach.

Conclusions and Limitations. High knowledge of local products but low local production was identified. Additionally, it was evident that the main barriers are external, while motivators include both internal and external aspects related to marketing variables.