MetaRed is an initiative that resulted from the IV International Meeting of Universia Rectors, where more than 700 university rectors from 26 countries reflected on the 21st-Century University. In their common statement, the rectors focused both on the potential of technology to transform the educational and operational model of universities and on the importance of strengthening alliances and collaboration among them.

What is MetaRed?

MetaRed is a collaborative project, a network of networks constituted by Ibero-American universities’Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) managers of both public and private universities, with the aim of sharing best practices, success cases and collaborative technological developments.

The unavoidable Digital Transformation of Universities affects all its areas of action and is highly complex to be addressed individually by each university in each country. MetaRed supports this transformation by sharing efforts and providing the best practices from different countries.

MetaRed’s mission

  • To promote collaboration, both nationally and internationally, in the field of information and communication technologies between universities.
  • To document and publicize good practices and success cases in the use of ICTs in universities and to carry out associated technology prospective.
  • To support the digital transformation of universities on the basis of collaboration, through the sharing of projects.
  • To promote, carry out and publish studies of interest.
  • To create study, learning and discussion forums, in matters of its field.
  • To collaborate with other organizations, institutions and public administrations on MetaRed’s issues of interest, as well as with associations, companies and forums related to ICTs.
  • To help universities to improve their competitiveness and efficiency, providing tools from their own environment in order to help them analyse and implement good practices in ICT governance.
  • To serve as a meeting point for discussion, reflection and collaborative work on the use of ICTs in universities.

MetaRed Networks

Currently, MetaRed is comprised of 10 different countries:

Fundación Universia

Metared is a project by Fundación Universia. Promoted by Banco Santander, it is a private non-profit organization that focuses its work on the promotion of inter-university thematic networks and employability, with a special focus on university orientation, diversity and equity and the development of digital skills.

The foundation is a reference in the field of qualified employment and linked to the development of diverse talent in companies that are committed to inclusive, responsible and sustainable growth. It also promotes continuous, experiential, digital and global learning oriented towards the opportunities offered by the transition to a new labor market.

In terms of inter-university networks, promotes entrepreneurship and digital transformation of universities. Its strategic focus is on the following SDGs: inclusive, equitable and quality education (SDG 4), access to employment and professional development for diverse talent (SDG 8) and alliances (SDG 17).

Metared’s sustainability is guaranteed by Santander Universities. Banco Santander is firmly committed to progress and inclusive, sustainable growth, with a long-standing dedication to higher education. With more than €1,800 million invested in academic initiatives since 2002 through Santander Universities and over 430,000 university scholarships awarded since 2005, it has been recognised as the company that invests the most in education worldwide (Varkey/UNESCO, Fortune 500 Report), with agreements in place with 1,000 educational institutions.