ASU and CESA unite to empower Colombia’s next generation of business innovators
New partnership delivers advanced innovation and leadership training to boost entrepreneurship and economic growth in Colombia.
Colombia is at an exciting juncture in its development, with industries such as technology and entrepreneurship positioned for transformative growth. To fully harness this potential, the country is poised to upskill its workforce, equipping people with the innovation and leadership abilities necessary to drive progress. As Colombia’s business landscape continues to evolve, investing in its human capital will unlock new opportunities for sustained economic and social advancement.
Recognizing the need for upskilling, Arizona State University has partnered with Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administración (CESA), one of Colombia’s top business schools, to launch the pilot course, “Advanced Innovation.” This course, designed and initially delivered to 50 of CESA’s undergraduate students, lays the groundwork for a broader partnership aimed at preparing the next generation of Colombian business leaders to tackle social challenges and drive economic growth.
“Partnering with ASU allows our students to access a global perspective on innovation, while also addressing the unique challenges facing businesses in Colombia,” said Emilia Restrepo, President of CESA. “This partnership strengthens our commitment to developing leaders who will shape the future of our economy.”
Indeed, students taking the course are already acquiring the skills needed for a well-rounded understanding of the entrepreneurial world. Maria Cano Martinez, a CESA student, shared, “My experience with ASU’s course has been incredibly enriching… The content covers social, cultural, and human topics in depth and the collaborative activities are dynamic, allowing us to debate, share ideas, and build knowledge together.”
Driving innovation in Colombia’s business landscape
Colombia’s economy is increasingly focused on entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation, particularly across its key industries and sectors, which include mining, oil, textiles, agribusiness and chemicals/petrochemicals. This emphasis makes CESA an ideal partner for ASU’s efforts in Latin America.
Founded in 1974 and based in Bogotá, CESA is a small institution that has cultivated strong ties with the private sector, fostering a learning environment that prioritizes real-world business applications. Its influence as a leading business school has attracted a diverse group of students and faculty who are passionate about shaping the future of Colombia’s economy.
The ASU-CESA partnership began with the launch of the “Advanced Innovation” course, primarily in an asynchronous format, with live sessions featuring ASU faculty experts like Eusebio Scornavacca, director of and professor at ASU’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Scornavacca said, “Innovation is at the heart of creating a better future and solving global challenges. Partnering with CESA allows us to share our expertise, providing students in Colombia with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to thrive in today’s dynamic and complex business environment. It’s a privilege to work with such a forward-thinking institution.”
This unique approach, led by professors like Scornavacca, has resonated strongly with students. “Unlike traditional classes where the pace is set by the group, here I had the freedom to focus on what interested me most at any given time, sparking my curiosity and motivating me to keep learning,” said CESA student Juan Pablo Rubio Soto.
Building a robust talent pipeline for Colombia
The collaboration is already having an impact on workforce development, offering students a broader perspective and the skills needed to navigate both local and international business environments. As another CESA student noted, “This possibility has opened my eyes to the opportunities of applying innovation to real-world problems. I feel better prepared to take on the challenges of the business world, knowing that I have learned from global leaders in the field.”
The Advanced Innovation pilot course is the first of several offerings planned between ASU and CESA. Over the next two years, ASU will expand its courses to cover critical areas like advanced analytics, entrepreneurship, strategic management, sustainability and digital transformation. This interdisciplinary approach is tailored to meet the growing demands of Colombia’s business landscape and offers students both practical and theoretical knowledge to become leaders in their fields.
The partnership also highlights the broader mission of ASU to create educational pathways that advance professional growth. “ASU’s work with CESA is about more than just offering courses—it’s about shaping the next generation of business leaders and innovators in Colombia,” said Marco Serrato, associate vice president at ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “By combining world-class expertise with local relevance, we’re giving students the tools they need to drive innovation and economic growth in their communities.”
Part of a growing impact in Latin America
In addition to equipping students with advanced skills, ASU’s work in Colombia connects with broader initiatives aimed at supporting key industries. ASU’s partnerships in Colombia have touched on sectors like energy, healthcare and sustainability. Collaborations with organizations such as PROCOLOMBIA, Grupo Vanti and Ecopetrol reflect the university’s commitment to fostering innovation in areas critical to Colombia’s economic future.
ASU’s partnership with CESA is the latest in a series of strategic collaborations across Latin America. Recent partnerships with the Iberoamerican Technology Foundation and Tec de Monterrey in Mexico aim to advance technical education and workforce development in critical sectors like semiconductors and engineering. Similarly, ASU’s partnership with Universidad Argentina de la Empresa in Argentina further demonstrates its commitment to creating educational opportunities that foster entrepreneurship and innovation across the region. Later this month, ASU will be launching our first “ASU en Español” programs to reach more Latin American institutions and students.
“ASU’s growing presence in Latin America reflects our commitment to fostering transformative education partnerships that drive both innovation and economic resilience,” said Maria Anguiano, executive vice president at ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “Collaborations like the one with CESA enable us to equip students with the critical skills and knowledge needed to lead in a rapidly changing global market.”
For more information on the ASU-CESA partnership or to schedule an interview with ASU leadership, please contact:
Samantha Becker
Strategic Communications Advisor to the EVP
ASU’s Learning Enterprise
sam.becker@asu.edu