On Tuesday, August 18, the University of Buenos Aires ( Universidad ORT Uruguay ) and the University of San Andrés (UdeSA) in Argentina signed an academic cooperation agreement that establishes a new framework for strengthening the ties between the two institutions.
The signing ceremony took place at the Central Campus of the National University of the South ( Universidad ORT Uruguay), during a visit to Montevideo by Dr. Lucas Grosman, Dean of the UdeSA School of Business ( rector ), and Prof. Ariel Yukelson, Director of External Relations at the UdeSA School of Business.
Representing the University of Buenos Aires ( Universidad ORT Uruguay ) were the Dean of the School of Business and Management ( rector), Dr. Jorge Grünberg; the Vice Rector for Management and Institutional Development , Eduardo Hipogrosso, Engineer; the Administrative Vice Rector , Daniel Oliveri, B.A.; and the Director of the School of Business and Academic Vice Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Social Sciences , Dr. Nicolás Gambetta.
For Grosman, one of the main benefits of the partnership is the opportunity to expand the reach that both universities already have beyond their respective countries.
“Both of our universities have a presence that extends beyond our countries, but we believe that this partnership can further strengthen that regional presence,” he said.
A Regional Perspective
Regional outreach is one of the main pillars of the agreement. Yukelson argued that opportunities for cooperation should be considered beyond national markets, especially in areas related to business and entrepreneurship.
“Today we must look not to countries, but to regions, ”he said. In that regard, he believes that the alliance can create “a world of opportunities” for companies, students, and professionals with a perspective that encompasses various countries in South America.
Yukelson summed up that expectation with a single idea: “When two prestigious institutions join forces, I am convinced that one plus one is always more than two.” In addition to his role at the University of San Andrés, he noted his connection to World ORT as a member of its board of directors.
Grosman explained that the partnership arose from a mutual recognition between the University of San Andrés and the Universidad ORT Uruguay.
According to the rector, the institutions found“a shared set of values and goals”that led to a partnership of this nature.
He also highlighted the academic strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and track record of innovation at the University of the Andes ( Universidad ORT Uruguay). “We are committed to that innovative potential, ”he said, referring to the reasons for strengthening the partnership.
UdeSA representatives also identified areas where the two institutions’ capabilities can complement each other. Among these, they mentioned the University of the South ( Universidad ORT Uruguay )’s track record in technology and the Argentine institution’s expertise in the business field.
Added to this is each university’s knowledge of its surroundings and its respective communities. This combination can broaden the scope of joint initiatives and bring a regional perspective to the educational experience.
“Education is becoming increasingly globalized, and therefore, having a perspective that extends beyond the country where one lives always enriches the educational experience,” Grosman said.
Tour of the University
Grosman and Yukelson’s visit included meetings with officials and tours of various academic departments at the University of the South ( Universidad ORT Uruguay). At the Downtown Campus, they toured the facilities alongside Eduardo Hipogrosso, Engineer, and Eduardo Mangarelli, Engineer, dean of the School of Engineering.
The schedule continued at the School of Communication building, alongside its dean, Dr. Esteban Zunino, and at the Design Laboratories, accompanied by the dean of the School of Design, Oscar Aguirre, B.A.
Later, Grosman and Yukelson visited ORT Rambla, where they met with the dean of the School of Business and Social Sciences, Mariella de Aurrecoechea, Cra., MBA, and the dean of the Institute of Education, Dr. Denise Vaillant.
The day continued at the Pocitos Campus and included a tour of the School of Architecture led by its dean, Architect Gastón Boero.
A partnership with a bright future
The agreement marks the beginning of a relationship that both institutions plan to expand. Looking ahead to the coming years, Yukelson mentioned the possibility of bringing programmes on board, developing new areas of collaboration, and promoting joint research.
According to the director of External Relations at the UdeSA Business School, strategic partnerships between universities should generate value beyond the institutions themselves.
“If we focus on ensuring that this partnership creates value for our economies and our students, and serves as a platform for launching new projects, we will also be able to contribute to the development of the communities and societies associated with both universities,” he said.
The agreement thus establishes a framework for connecting academic institutions and communities in Uruguay and Argentina, with the aim of gradually expanding cooperation and developing new initiatives with a regional scope.