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Digital Technologies for Young Entrepreneurs in Latin America: A Systematic Review of Educational Innovations (2018–2024)

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  • Pedro Manuel Silva León

    (Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Chiclayo-Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas

    (Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Chiclayo-Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Gary Christiam Farfán Chilicaus

    (Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Chiclayo-Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Gabriela Lizeth Castro Ijiri

    (Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Chiclayo-Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Lisseth Katherine Chuquitucto Cotrina

    (Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Chiclayo-Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Flor Delicia Heredia Llatas

    (Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Chiclayo-Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán

    (Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Chiclayo-Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Celin Pérez Nájera

    (Department of Law, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Máximo Gómez Baes University, Ciego de Ávila 65100, Cuba)

Abstract

This systematic review based on PRISMA presents an analysis of 74 studies, conducted between 1889 and 2024, on the issue of digital technologies for the development of entrepreneurial skills of young people, with a focus on Latin America. The original review combines 44 regional and 30 international studies, examining mobile platforms, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies. The results present a paradigm of innovation through constraint, with all successful adaptations driven by infrastructural limitations. As case studies, Latin American contexts have demonstrated the effectiveness of mobile technology and microlearning comparable to costly immersive technologies, completely contradicting deficit narratives. Seventy-eight percent of regional studies adhere systematically to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 8, 10), illustrating an inclusive approach to technological development that values social impact over technical sophistication. Triangulation bibliometrics confirm the institutionalization of three research traditions—techno-deterministic, constructivist, and critical—with a focus on innovation–digital transformation–technological entrepreneurship. Studies show that contexts traditionally considered “limited” generate innovations with potential for reverse transfer to developed economies. The implementation gap between research and practice reflects systemic tensions between academic frameworks and contextual complexities. This will motivate fundamental justifications for implementing educational policies in ways that support contextual diversity as a strategic strength, fostering the sustainable development of youth entrepreneurial skills in the digital age.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Manuel Silva León & Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas & Gary Christiam Farfán Chilicaus & Gabriela Lizeth Castro Ijiri & Lisseth Katherine Chuquitucto Cotrina & Flor Delicia Heredia Llatas & Emma Veróni, 2025. "Digital Technologies for Young Entrepreneurs in Latin America: A Systematic Review of Educational Innovations (2018–2024)," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-30, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:9:p:537-:d:1742952
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bravo-Ortega, Claudio & Egana-delSol, Pablo & Winkler-Sotomayor, Nicole, 2023. "Does the lack of resources matter in a dual economy: Decoding MSMEs productivity and growth," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 716-739.
    2. Petersen, Il-haam & Kruss, Glenda, 2021. "Universities as change agents in resource-poor local settings: An empirically grounded typology of engagement models," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
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