We are pleased to present Volume 6, Issue 1 2026 of the ID EST Journal, a forum for the convergence of critical thought and scientific research published by FUNDES. In a world characterized by rapid change and structural challenges, multidisciplinary research emerges not only as an exercise in academic rigor but also as an ethical imperative aimed at sustainable development, social equity, and the economic revitalization of our regions. This issue is structured around three themes that engage in a conceptually precise dialogue on the most pressing issues of our time. The first section, dedicated to inclusion and pedagogy, opens with profound reflections on diverse classrooms in Sogamoso, reminding us that attitudinal barriers are often more complex than physical ones. It also explores playful gamification methodologies that integrate environmental sustainability in Sincelejo, alongside a critical examination of interculturality in the Dominican Republic, urging us to rethink education beyond mere functional pluralism. The second section addresses the dimensions of methodology and management from a vital analytical perspective. Through a rigorous review, it examines the perennial debate and integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches in the social sciences, demonstrating the complementarity necessary to capture human complexity. In line with this, the analysis of institutional management in contexts such as Soacha highlights the technical gap between what is planned and what is implemented, and underscores the urgency of structuring educational leadership based on empirical evidence. Finally, the third section connects academia with the productive sector and competitiveness within the Colombian ecosystem. Research focused on the consolidation of startups and brand equity in MSMEs offers a clear assessment and viable proposals to address business failure rates. Digitalization and strategic differentiation emerge here as the pillars of economic survival in complex global markets.