Innovation skills in Colombian university students

Innovation and competitiveness are linked to people’s innovative behavior, which implies that professional training should focus on both technical aspects and the development of competencies and skills to innovate. However, few studies identify innovation skills in university students in developing countries. Therefore, this research validated, through a structural equation model, an instrument with five dimensions that explain innovation skills in university students. The sample consisted of 536 undergraduate and graduate students in administration and business fields in Colombia. The results showed that the dimensions of creativity, critical thinking, initiative, teamwork, and networking have a direct and positive relationship with innovation skills. This research is the first study in Colombia to empirically validate the measurement scale and provides important information for decision-making in universities regarding the improvement of curriculum designs to develop innovation skills in future professionals, enabling them to be drivers of innovation and change in the organizational context.