On November 27 and 28, Costa Rica hosted the 5th International Symposium on Business Simulation and Educational Innovation, jointly organized by the Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH), the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), and CompanyGame.
Under the theme “Transforming Educational Models in the Business Field in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”, the event brought together academic institutions, organizations, and professionals from more than 11 countries, creating a unique space to discuss the future of learning in the business environment.
Throughout two intensive days, attendees participated in panels, workshops, and immersive experiences focused on key topics such as:
- Future of Education
- Artificial Intelligence
- Microcredentials
- Gamification of Learning
- The New Role of the Educator
- Personalized Learning
Education in Transformation
Business education is undergoing a profound transformation. Technological advances, the emergence of artificial intelligence, and the changing demands of the job market are redefining how we learn, teach, and manage knowledge.
Today, education is no longer limited to transmitting information; it seeks to develop skills, strengthen emotional intelligence, foster critical thinking, and empower students to contribute consciously and meaningfully to society. Learning becomes an active, experiential, and purpose-driven process.
The Future of Education: Competencies, Digitalization, and Flexibility
One of the central themes of the symposium was how education will evolve in the coming years. Competency-based learning, digital content, and hybrid instructional approaches will be key pillars in responding to new challenges.
Speakers also analyzed the impact of globalization on teaching. Educational institutions must prepare for multicultural contexts and dynamic labor markets, creating learning experiences that connect students with real and global scenarios, just as business simulators do.
Artificial Intelligence: Towards a More Human Education
AI was one of the main protagonists of the event. Far from replacing teachers, well-applied technology has the potential to enhance educational work, create personalized learning paths, and enrich the student experience.
Discussions explored AI tools for continuous assessment, adaptive learning environments, intelligent assistants, and learning analytics. However, key challenges were also addressed: ethics, data privacy, and the need to build a more human education in a digital era.
The New Role of the Educator
In this context, educators are no longer mere transmitters of content but facilitators of learning, strategic mentors, and guides.
The symposium raised an essential question: what competencies must the 21st-century educator develop? Among them: digital literacy, the ability to manage hybrid learning environments, the design of meaningful experiences, and the emotional support of students.
Personalized Learning: Students at the Center
Each student learns differently, and personalized education aims to activate individual potential. Speakers presented tools and approaches to adapt content and pace — from adaptive platforms to differentiated teaching strategies.
However, the debate focused not only on how to personalize but also for whom: how to guarantee equitable access to personalized learning opportunities, avoiding technological or educational gaps.
CompanyGame and Experiential Learning
At CompanyGame, we firmly believe learning is strengthened when theory connects with practice. Business simulators allow students to make real decisions, manage teams, assess results, and learn from mistakes in a safe environment.
Events like this symposium reaffirm the importance of combining pedagogy, technology, and strategic vision to design learning experiences that create real impact.
A Meeting That Moves Education Forward
The 5th International Symposium on Business Simulation and Educational Innovation was not just an event—it was a place to exchange ideas, challenge models, and jointly design the pathway toward a more flexible, human, and real-world-connected business education.
From CompanyGame, we thank all institutions, educators, students, and experts who participated. We will continue promoting initiatives that generate value, develop talent, and prepare new generations for global challenges.