abstract
- This study analyses the integration of Research-Based Learning and Challenge-Based Learning within a Competency-Based Education framework to enhance engineering students' complex-thinking competency in the context of Industry 5.0. The research involved a six-month international internship in which students from Mexico collaborated with a Spanish additive manufacturing research group focused on healthcare innovation. This qualitative case study employed methodological triangulation to assess students' subcompetencies in systemic, critical, and scientific thinking using the validated eComplex rubric, faculty observations, descriptive statistics derived from research deliverables, and qualitative student feedback on mentoring. Findings indicate that the proposed model fosters analytical, reflective, and innovation-oriented capacities, reinforcing human-centred and sustainable learning outcomes consistent with Education 5.0 and the challenges of Industry 5.0.