Francisco Planes, director Tecnun: “Research and knowledge a tool attracting talent”

Tecnun, the School of Engineering at the University of Navarra, hosted yesterday the meeting of itsadvisor committee , composed of executives from 40 companies and public institutions in Gipuzkoa. This is an advisory body whose goal strengthen university-business ties, jointly analyze the education received by Tecnun students Tecnun adapt their profile to the needs of the region.

During the workshop, executives from Tecnun, companies, and public institutions in Gipuzkoa discussed the challenge attracting talent and the need to collaboratively build a “powerful regional narrative.” Tecnun director Francisco Planes thanked public institutions for their support development and innovation development and highlighted the growth of research activity at the School of Engineering in recent years. “Research and knowledge also tool attracting talent,” he noted. In this regard, he noted that the center is carrying out more than 150 research and technology transfer projects with companies and institutions, with an annual investment of nearly 12 million euros, in strategic fields such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and the biosciences.

For her part, Rocío Núñez, Director of Corporate Relations at Tecnun, highlighted the school’s “flexibility” in exploring “new models of collaboration that allow for closer contact students and companies from the very first years of study, with the goal helping them discover the region’s rich cultural heritage and choose to work and live in Gipuzkoa.” 

Similarly, Francisco Planes, director Tecnun, emphasized the importance of “comprehensive education”: knowledge and career guidance the workplace are essential, but so is training engineers—both men and women—to possess critical thinking skills, adaptability, and a broad understanding of social and technological challenges,” he noted.

Another key topic of meeting the impact of AI on the training of future engineers. During the discussion, companies and institutions spoke about the importance of training professionals capable of developing technology, as well as applying it to real-world scenarios and specific industrial processes. In this context, Planes highlighted the Degree Artificial Intelligence at Tecnun, as well as its commitment to strengthening areas in high demand by companies, such as Electronics, Robotics, and Cybersecurity. As he explained, Tecnun goal Tecnun “to offer a solid foundation in the fundamentals, but also to ensure that AI is integrated across all Degrees that students develop an inquisitive mindset focused on the practical application of these tools.”

The Appeal of knowledge

During the workshop , attention workshop also focused on the university’s role in “attracting knowledge—that is, in update the skills of senior-level professionals. In this regard, the director Tecnun the University of Navarra’s commitment to professional programs.

The meeting with a shared commitment to continue strengthening collaboration between the University, businesses, and institutions in Gipuzkoa.