The rector of the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), Hernán Porras Díaz, participated in the panel “Let’s Meet in the Regions,” a space led by Radio Cadena Nacional, Canal RCN, and Diario La República, which brought together 26 regional leaders to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of the department in terms of competitiveness, sustainability, and economic growth.
The conversation allowed for the construction of a collective vision for the future of Santander, addressing key issues such as science, technology, innovation, education, infrastructure, and the strengthening of human talent. In this scenario, Rector Porras Díaz highlighted the decisive role of the University in the advancement of the territory.
“The UIS has established itself as a strategic player in Santander’s economic development, especially in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, in training highly qualified human talent, and in closing educational coverage gaps in rural areas,” said the rector.
The event also highlighted the inter-institutional and multisectoral commitment to promoting initiatives that strengthen the social fabric and regional competitiveness. Porras Díaz also stressed that these meetings are essential for coordinating strategic agendas that jointly respond to the challenges facing the department and the country.
The governor of Santander and president of the UIS Superior Council, General Juvenal Díaz Mateus, highlighted the institution’s role in the development of the territory. “The UIS is a benchmark for higher education at the national and international level, and it fulfills the same function that we fulfill as companies and governments: contributing to the country’s economic development and employment,” he said.
During the discussion, journalist Maritza Aristizábal, the panel moderator, highlighted the university’s educational and social work: “The university works to nurture talent, provide education, and bridge gaps. It is one of those wonderful things we want to share about this other Colombia that we sometimes don’t see, but where extraordinary things are happening.”
For her part, Andrea Arenas Parra, vice president of Regional Competitiveness at the Bucaramanga Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of coordination between sectors to overcome the department’s structural limitations. “We have significant challenges, such as road infrastructure, but if we work together, we will be able to attract investment. We must also strengthen bilingualism and human talent and streamline procedures to facilitate the arrival of new investors.”
Finally, Juan Pablo Remolina, executive director of ProSantander, highlighted the University’s influence on the region’s economic and business development: “The UIS has become the most important company in the department because it produces the men and women who are behind many of its organizations, in addition to its contribution to research, science, and technology.”
With its participation, the UIS reaffirms its academic, scientific, and social leadership, as well as its commitment to building a more competitive, sustainable, and innovative region, projecting Santander toward a future of greater opportunities.
