Category: News

Andorra could become a reference point for research and development

Andorra has traditionally been known for its natural beauty, mountain tourism, and attractive tax policies. However, in recent years, it has begun to look in a new direction to diversify its economy: technology. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) could become a key piece in transforming Andorra into a technological hub with an advanced and sustainable economy.

Andorra’s traditional economic model, based on tourism, commerce, and finance, has been robust for decades but has also shown vulnerabilities to global changes. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need to expand economic diversification, as dependence on a limited number of sectors can endanger the country’s resilience. Therefore, seeking new growth opportunities has become a priority, and this is where technology, especially AI, comes into play.

One of Andorra’s main advantages is its ability to adapt quickly to global changes. The government has already taken significant steps to foster a technological innovation ecosystem, with projects such as Andorra Telecom, the recent establishment of the Data Intelligence Agency two months ago, and other initiatives aimed at promoting digitalization.

In this scenario, AI emerges as a unique opportunity. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize key sectors for Andorra, such as tourism, mobility, healthcare, and finance. By implementing advanced algorithms and data technologies, Andorra could enhance services, optimize decision-making, and create new business models.

Tourism is one of the pillars of Andorra’s economy, but it is also a sector that requires constant innovation to remain competitive in an increasingly digitalized world. AI can play a fundamental role here. With data analysis tools, it becomes possible to better predict tourist flows, identify behavioral patterns, and personalize visitor experiences. AI systems can also improve the management of tourism infrastructure, helping reduce congestion during peak seasons and improving resource distribution efficiency.

Another key aspect for Andorra’s transformation is mobility. Through real-time data analysis, congestion prediction, and intelligent resource management, more efficient and sustainable mobility could be achieved.

The healthcare sector is another area where AI can have a significant impact. Andorra has the opportunity to position itself as a leading country in digital healthcare, leveraging AI technologies to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. Machine learning systems can help healthcare professionals identify patterns in large volumes of medical data, enabling more personalized and preventive medicine.

Additionally, with the progressive aging of the population, AI can be crucial in providing care and well-being solutions, such as robotic assistants for the elderly or applications that monitor health in real-time.

However, for Andorra to harness the full potential of AI, it will be necessary to train a new generation of professionals capable of developing and managing these technologies. This means strongly committing to digital education, both in schools and universities. The country has already taken steps in this direction, but continued investment in technological training is essential.

Moreover, Andorra could become a leader in AI research and development, attracting international talent and creating a vibrant ecosystem of tech companies. In this vein, eUniv, through the Alma Mater University Institute, organizes an annual series of conferences, academic congresses, and research forums, such as the upcoming first International Research Forum on the Use of Artificial Intelligence as a Learning Tool in Higher Education, keeping the country at the forefront of advancements in this field.

Despite the great opportunities, Andorra’s commitment to AI also presents challenges. The implementation of new technologies requires the development of robust infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity, and establishing ethical standards for the use of AI, particularly in sensitive areas such as healthcare or finance.

However, if Andorra manages to overcome these challenges, it has a unique potential to become a technological reference in the region. Its small size, strategic location, and flexible regulatory framework make it an ideal laboratory for innovation, with the goal of transforming into a technological hub that attracts global investment and talent.

Artificial intelligence could be the boost Andorra needs to diversify its economy and establish itself as a technological powerhouse in the Pyrenees. By leveraging its strengths and overcoming the challenges associated with digitalization, Andorra can become a center for technological innovation and development that serves as a model for other small nations.

This past December 12th, the European University (eUniv) and the banking institution MoraBanc signed an educational cooperation agreement to facilitate external academic internships for university students. The agreement covers all programs offered by eUniv, with special emphasis on business education.

The agreement, signed by eUniv’s manager, Mr. Anton Miret, and MoraBanc’s Human Resources Director, Mr. Miguel Angel Aller, reflects the university’s commitment to linking academic knowledge with the professional world. “Our mission starts in the classroom, but it cannot be separated from our responsibility to society and our students; this agreement is an important step in that direction”, explained Mr. Miret.

The agreement ensures that students will have two tutors —one from eUniv and another from MoraBanc— who will monitor the internship and guarantee the students’ learning process. eUniv emphasizes that “guidance and a commitment to enhancing the student journey are non-negotiable,” as practical training within university programs is considered “a key aspect of preparing and introducing students to the job market and their professional lives.”

On Friday, December 13, 2024, an academic cooperation agreement was signed between eUniv and the University of Andorra. This initial agreement aims to transfer, from eUniv, the teaching materials related to the Andorran Political System, part of its Bachelor’s program in Political Science, developed by a team of individuals coordinated by Pol Bartolomé.

Under this agreement, the University of Andorra, which is also planning to introduce a Bachelor’s program in Political Science, will be able to use these teaching materials in its courses and publish them in the Catalan language.

The agreement was signed in the Boardroom of the eUniv headquarters by Dr. Jesús M. Prujà, Chancellor of eUniv, and Dr. Juli Minoves, Rector of the University of Andorra. Subsequently, the delegation of academic authorities from the University of Andorra accompanying its Rector was welcomed by the Vice-Chancellors of eUniv and had the opportunity to visit eUniv’s facilities.

The event was held at the Aula Rector Noguero in Sant Julià, with the presence of about fifty attendees

This Friday, December 13, the second doctoral thesis defense at eUniv (European University) took place at the university’s headquarters in Sant Julià. It was conducted by Mr. Xavier Francesc de Fantova under the title The Historical Universities of the Principality of Catalonia (1300–1717): Solsona. The event, which began at 11:00 AM, was attended by the Bishop of Solsona, His Excellency and Reverend Monsignor Francesc Conesa, and the Councillor of Culture of Solsona, Albert Colell, along with the corresponding academic authorities and over fifty attendees.

The session concluded at 2:00 PM with the presentation of the corresponding certificate to the doctoral candidate by the Presidency. Mr. Fantova emphasized “the pride of receiving this recognition from an institution that fosters knowledge and its transmission in the way eUniv does.” The university’s academic protonotary, Dr. Marc Escolà, stated that “eUniv positions the doctoral program as a central axis of university activity and its commitment to knowledge and the environment in which the university operates.”

This doctoral thesis is part of the research line University and Country: Universities in Catalan History, which examines the role of Catalan universities, conceptualized as social institutions, within the evolutionary framework of the country’s history. eUniv hopes to present new thesis defenses linked to this research line in the near future.

On November 30, the Artificial Intelligence and Culture Conference was held at the Andorra la Vella Congress Center, organized by the Andorran entity Cultura Activa, chaired by Ms. Maria Cucurull, a member of the Academic Senate of eUniv.

During the conference, discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities that Artificial Intelligence poses for the future of the Catalan language and culture. The final roundtable featured Dr. Eladi Llop, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at eUniv, who shared his insights from the perspective of higher university education.

The event also included the public presentation of the EINA project, an initiative aimed at promoting the social use of Catalan in the digital era and addressing the challenges that Generative Artificial Intelligence may pose for the most creative forms of the arts, particularly audiovisual and musical expressions.

The ninth edition of the International Marketing Symposium of Andorra (SIMA), dedicated to the Challenges and opportunities for Andorra’s key sectors in light of the Association Agreement with the European Union, was held on November 27 and 28, 2024, at the Congress Centre of Andorra la Vella.

Dr. Marc B. Escolà, Academic Protonotary of eUniv, participated as a speaker in a panel discussion about the impact of the potential association on the Andorran educational sector. Other participants in the discussion included Mr. Francesc X. Campuzano, Director of Higher Education; Ms. Urgell Sansa, Manager of UdA, and Ms. Clara Pintat, Director of the international school Ágora.

During the session, the specific challenges of conducting university activities from Andorra with a focus on an international audience were highlighted. Additionally, emphasis was placed on the particular difficulties of promoting advanced research, as Andorra cannot access the funds of the European Research Area, which are a key part of the European Union’s scientific policy.

Last Tuesday, November 19, the Consortium of University Services of Catalonia (CSUC) organized the 4th TSIUC Conference, which this year focused on “Intelligent AI Management.”

TSIUC’24 analyzed the current regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, focusing on existing recommendations, processes, and regulations, and showcased the benefits of an orderly AI deployment to minimize risks and ensure its responsible use.

Additionally, TSIUC’24 aimed to highlight the use of AI as a powerful tool in the learning process through inspiring use cases and addressed the role of AI in the digital transformation of universities, considering technology, data, processes, and people.

The conference sought to provide a space for reflection and debate on how to effectively and comprehensibly implement AI, as well as to address the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the university context across teaching, research, and management.

Representing the European University-eUniv at the conference was Joaquim Vallés, Director of the University Institute of Applied Technology (IUTA).

eUniv, represented by its Quality Manager, Mr. Aleu Miret, participated in the European Quality Assurance Forum (EQAF), held from November 14 to 16 at the University of Twente in the Netherlands.

The EQAF is a leading platform for all stakeholders involved in quality assurance in higher education, offering a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices.

This year’s forum, titled “Enhancing Education, Research, and Social Engagement Through Quality Assurance”, featured sessions on policies and trends, research, and practical examples related to current advancements in quality assurance in higher education.

The University prepares programs to transfer knowledge to businesses

Ramon Puente is one of the most prominent voices in digital trends at eUniv, the university institution based in Andorra. The entrepreneur, business advisor, and investor is not only a professor of the Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Organization Engineering but will also lead the upcoming digital transformation course for executives that eUniv is developing. Puente has reflected on the transformation of business models and society through digitization, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, highlighting the impact of these trends and their implementation in Andorra, a country that “aims to position itself as a leader in digital innovation.”

One of the country’s strengths, according to the professor, is its commitment to digitization: “With government support and agreements with international institutions, Andorra is creating a favorable environment for businesses to innovate ethically and responsibly.” Puente emphasizes the importance and potential of applying AI in key sectors such as tourism and fintech. “The intelligent use of data can help businesses become more efficient and sustainable, especially in tourism, where we can offer personalized experiences without negatively impacting the local community,” Puente explains.

The size and characteristics of Andorra’s economy represent a unique opportunity to serve as a testing ground. “In a small country, it’s easier to implement and test technologies in both the public and private sectors, which can serve as a reference for other places,” concludes Puente. He adds that this vision must be accompanied by the necessary commitment to achieve digital and sustainable development that benefits both organizations and Andorran society as a whole.

The omnichannel approach, where consumers interact with brands through multiple touchpoints such as social media and physical stores, is revolutionizing the way businesses connect with their customers. Sustainability also holds a prominent place in his discourse. Under the 3P model (people, planet, and profit), he argues that companies can reduce their environmental impact through digitization while meeting environmental standards. However, Puente warns about the side effects of the energy consumption involved in technology: “AI and data centers are increasing energy consumption, which forces us to think about truly sustainable digitization.”

TRAINING TO MANAGE CHANGE
eUniv is designing the future executive course on digital transformation, an in-person program aimed at transferring knowledge to the business world. It will cover emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Industry 4.0, but the focus will be on “how they transform organizations and change management,” explains Puente, who is convinced that data usage will have the same impact on the production model as the Industrial Revolution once did.