Informe de vigilancia competitiva y análisis temático de tendencias como apoyo de la propuesta de creación de un programa de Maestría en Paisaje y Gestión del Hábitat en la Universidad Santo Tomás, seccional Bucaramanga

Abstract

The report presents a comprehensive analysis to support the creation of a Master’s Program in Landscape and Habitat Management at Universidad Santo Tomás, Bucaramanga campus, through a technological surveillance and competitive intelligence approach. This analysis addresses global challenges such as climate change, environmental sustainability, and landscape management, aligning the academic proposal with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and labor market demands. The program aims to train professionals with advanced skills to design and manage nature-based solutions, promoting biodiversity, climate resilience, and quality of life. The methodological analysis employed bibliometric tools, data mining, and artificial intelligence to identify scientific and technical trends related to landscape and habitat management. The results highlight the existence of 18 similar master’s programs in Colombia, with Bogotá as the primary educational hub, while the Santander region lacks offerings in this field. This represents a strategic opportunity for Universidad Santo Tomás to lead in this area, addressing a regional gap and strengthening its national competitiveness. In terms of research, 27 active groups related to landscape and habitat were identified in Colombia, with which the university could collaborate to strengthen the master’s program. Additionally, academic statistics show recent growth in enrollments and graduations in similar programs, indicating increasing interest in this area. Employability indicators are also positive, with contribution rates exceeding 90% in several related master’s programs, reinforcing the graduates' job market viability. The study identifies nine key trends in the discipline, including climate change adaptation, digitalization in landscape design, ecological restoration, participatory governance, and innovation in sustainable materials. These areas emphasize the relevance of the master’s program in addressing contemporary problems from a multidisciplinary perspective. Thus, the master’s program proposal is supported by a solid academic and strategic foundation, aligning with the region's educational needs and global trends. Universidad Santo Tomás has an opportunity to position itself as a benchmark in sustainability and landscape management, contributing to sustainable development and the strengthening of Colombia's educational offerings.