On Thursday, November 21, the UIS hosted the 108th Board Meeting of UNIRED, the Network of Education, Research, and Development Institutions. This reflective space included the participation of the University, Business, and State Committee (CUEES) with the aim of devising strategies to strengthen the region in terms of economic development and competitiveness.
The meeting, attended by university presidents and representatives from various higher education institutions, fostered an important dialogue about the region’s challenges and its advancement through science, technology, and innovation. The discussions highlighted the critical role universities play in bridging public and private sectors.
“We were kindly invited to this UNIRED meeting to discuss CUEES, a key initiative that has been working for 17 years to unite academic, business, and government sectors. Here, we explore strategies to address challenges such as energy transition, education, health, and human capital development,” said Andrés Leonardo Trillos, director of the Regional Competitiveness Commission and CUEES.
Juan Camilo Montoya Bozzi, rector of the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga, emphasized the role of universities in strengthening this dynamic. “We agreed on ways to enhance collaboration between universities, businesses, and the state to tackle competitiveness challenges in the region, particularly in major areas of economic transformation. Universities are deeply committed to driving this collective effort forward,” he stated.
These types of meetings reinforce the commitment of all sectors to face challenges and seize opportunities on the path to regional well-being.