Competitividad territorial, innovación empresarial e interculturalidad: reflexiones derivadas de una estancia académica internacional

Abstract

The international academic visit to the Puebla region provided an opportunity to discover how regions and organizations compete in an increasingly globalized world economy. Through lectures, business case studies, and cultural immersion, we were able to gain insight into strategies for improving productivity, innovation, and value creation all of which are key factors for the sustainable growth of economies and businesses. During International Week, topics related to the coordination of the public sector, the private sector, and academic institutions were also discussed as a process to help promote regional economic development, drawing on business expertise, technological innovation, and a strategic vision of how these processes impact sustainable competitive advantages. These methods have helped identify how organizational decisions and development policies affect regional opportunities for investment, employment, and the region’s international profile. The cultural experience also offered an alternative perspective on identity, heritage, and regional development, as well as the idea that social and cultural factors also play a role in creating a dynamic and competitive economy. From a financial perspective, participants reflected on how innovation, strategic cooperation, and resource allocation are critical to value creation in organizations and regions. As a future finance specialist, these lessons can be applied to the Colombian context by incorporating ESG criteria into investment evaluations, strengthening risk management models, and designing financial planning strategies focused on sustainability and long-term value creation.