Aruba signs collaboration agreement for Capstone Innovation Projects with Columbia University

New York, September 2018 – Prime Minister of Aruba Evelyn Wever-Croes signed an agreement with Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs for two Capstone Innovation Projects, which will kick off in January 2019.

16 master students will conduct research on innovation in Aruba. Aruba’s government supports the idea that technology and innovation can spur economic growth. One of the research projects will be on building an innovation economy. The students taking part in this research project have decided, together with the Minister of Finance and Economy, to research the concept of Freezones. The aim is to develop the Aruba Freezone into a thriving economic zone of the future. As for the second research project, the students will be conducting research related to Aruba’s e-Government agenda. The Government of Aruba plans to transition into an e-Government with the purpose of providing better and seamless services to its citizens, increasing their quality of life, in line with its human-centered innovation approach.

The Prime Minister of Aruba Evelyn Wever-Croes is hopeful that this can encourage more opportunities for future collaboration between Aruba and Columbia University.