Diagnosis of Maturity in R&D Project Management in Technological Institutes: A Preliminary Assessment under the PMI Approach

Abstract

Research and Development (R&D) management represents a strategic component for strengthening technical and technological higher education, particularly in contexts where stronger articulation between academic training, innovation, and the productive environment is required. The aim of this study was to diagnose the level of maturity of R&D project management in an Ecuadorian technological higher education institution, identifying organizational, methodological, and documentary gaps through a comparison with the best practices proposed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The research adopted a qualitative approach, with a descriptive scope and an exploratory design. Data collection techniques included documentary analysis of the institutional regulatory framework and R&D projects executed and under execution, as well as structured interviews conducted with 27 key stakeholders involved in R&D management. Data were analyzed using content analysis and information triangulation techniques. The findings reveal a low level of project management maturity, characterized by weaknesses in the initiation and planning phases, lack of process standardization, limited risk management, and deficiencies in project closure and knowledge transfer, despite the high technical capacity of the research staff. It is concluded that the adoption of an R&D management model based on the PMI approach constitutes a relevant alternative to improve efficiency, institutional coherence, and the sustainability of technological research projects.