The Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) was present at the 1st Business Forum of the Associations for the Progress of Management (APD), which brought together institutional representatives and the business community of Cantabria, Castile and León and Asturias in Santander with the aim of promoting interregional collaboration as a driving force for economic and social development.
The meeting, under the slogan “Collaborate to advance”, was organized by APD, Sodercan and Banco Santander. During the day, key issues such as innovation, sustainability and infrastructure were addressed, with a view to promoting joint business growth between the three communities.
The forum was opened by Manuel Iturbe, president of APD in Cantabria and regional director of Banco Santander for Cantabria and Asturias; Eduardo Arasti, Minister of Industry, Employment, Innovation and Trade of the Government of Cantabria; and Gema Igual, Mayor of Santander. Representing the European University of the Atlantic was the vice-rector of Academic Organization and Faculty, Silvia Aparicio, thus consolidating the academic institution’s commitment to the business and social challenges of the environment.
The event was also attended by several students of the degree in Business Administration and Management, who had the opportunity to live an enriching experience in direct contact with the professional environment. During the day, they were able to connect with leading executives, establish key contacts in the business world and explore opportunities for their professional future.
The morning was filled with high-level interventions, such as the inaugural address by Juan José Álvarez, professor of Private International Law at the University of the Basque Country and secretary of Globernance, who reflected on the importance of business cooperation as a strategic tool to increase the competitiveness of the regions involved.
This was followed by various round tables and strategic discussions that addressed key issues for the future of the business fabric of northern Spain. The first round table, focused on joint projects and growth opportunities, was attended by APD representatives from the three communities: Carlos Moro (Castile and León), Eva Rodríguez (Asturias) and Manuel Iturbe himself (Cantabria). This was followed by three blocks dedicated to technological innovation, sustainability and logistics and infrastructures, in which companies such as Gonvarri Metal Structures, Galletas Gullón, EDP Redes, the CTC Technology Center and the port authorities of Santander and Avilés participated.
The forum was presented as a unique opportunity to generate strategic alliances between institutions, companies and research centers, promoting the exchange of good practices and the exploitation of synergies between neighboring territories. In this sense, reference was also made to joint initiatives such as the Galactea Plus consortium or the ICEX working groups for foreign promotion and investment attraction, in which the three autonomous communities already collaborate actively.
The meeting concluded with a networking session that allowed participants to strengthen ties and explore future avenues for collaboration. UNEATLANTICO also values highly participation in this type of meeting, which not only reinforce the connection between the university environment and the business world, but also contribute to consolidating the role of the university as an active agent in the economic and social development of the environment.