Francisco González Alvarado, Principal Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is promoting the implementation of a new model of forward planning, which will introduce innovative elements and will shape the outlook of the Necessary and Humanist University for the next 20 years. We are aware that we are facing a new development paradigm, where the workforce will be replaced and displaced. In this context, there is no doubt about the potential of the UNA to meet the need for complementarity and increased human capacities in its substantive fields of action.
The Universidad Nacional, as a result of the national and international emergency caused by the pandemic (Covid-19), has taken a series of contingency measures that are changing the way processes are carried out: courses began to be developed through remote attendance, the methodology and evaluation of classes had to be adjusted to the new conditions. In the case of academic programs, projects and activities, in the areas of research and extension, the assessment of profound adaptations has also been required.
Looking ahead to the next twenty years, the Universidad Nacional seeks to consolidate a governance exercise closely linked to a university model of inclusive integral organization and management, centered on the full exercise of university autonomy and democratic values, solidarity and justice as benchmarks for coexistence among the members of the university community.
The UNA seeks to ensure the relevance of a substantive task that is financially sustainable, making efficient use of state resources and complementing them with its own resources, under the principles of quality and innovation, transparency, technological transformation and regulatory reform. The centralized information and indicator system contributes to the monitoring of the strategic prospective planning process and the various institutional evaluation processes, with the central objective of enhancing the public value of the institution.
We intend to continue strengthening a strong link, coordination and cooperation, within the possibilities of university autonomy, with the different social, productive and academic sectors and public institutions, with the firm intention of promoting joint actions in plural reflection, relevant contributions and the search for innovative solutions to structural and emerging problems, with a perspective on the territories, the region and the planet. Epistemological diversity and scientific evidence are central to decision-making, but also to influencing public agendas, through the active facilitation of the production of cultural and artistic goods, the transfer of scientific and technological knowledge, as well as the training of integral professionals to contribute to social transformation and sustainable, inclusive and equitable human development.
The decision to carry out the exercise of institutional planning with a forward-looking strategic approach seeks to implement the different modalities of the substantive action of the Universidad Nacional with social relevance, innovation, transdisciplinarity, transversality and excellence, expressed in the highest standards of quality. We remain committed to the training of thinkers, scientists, artists and, in general, professionals with a humanist vision, as required by our Costa Rican society and beyond our borders.
