Impact of MERCOSUR accreditation in engineering on the scientific research of South American universities

Castillo Nuñez J.P.S.; Bustillos Torrez W. · Ibersid (2026) · DOI: 10.54886/ibersid.v20i1.5121

Resumen

This explanatory study analyzes the link between the accreditation of engineering programs through MERCOSUR’s ARCU-SUR system and the scientific performance of South American universities. Based on data from Scopus (2020–2024) and official accreditation records, a sample of 338 universities across six countries was compiled, applying multiple linear regression models with country-level controls. The results demonstrate a positive and significant association between the number of accredited programs and three bibliometric indicators: scientific output, total citations, and number of authors. The highest standardized coefficient was observed in the authors indicator (β=0.2371), while the model for citations per publication did not show a statistically significant relationship with accreditation. The R2 values, ranging from 0.042 to 0.049, reflect a limited explanatory capacity, yet one that is consistent with similar studies in institutional contexts. In conclusion, accreditation is associated with a higher volume and scientific collaboration, without showing improvements in the relative impact per article; therefore, it is recommended to expand the analysis to other disciplines and consider longitudinal approaches.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener