A few years ago, the University of Granada, together with Cisco and BBC StoryWorks, created something that I believe today can serve as a great example for many other universities around the world. Their story—”The Centuries-Old University of the Future”—was not just about digital transformation. It was about vision, identity, and how to communicate both with confidence on one of the world’s most trusted platforms: BBC.
Founded in 1531, the University of Granada is one of the oldest in Europe. But what makes it stand out today is its future-ready mindset. With support from Cisco, the university invested in a full-scale modernization of its digital infrastructure, creating a secure, high-speed virtual campus that connects over 85,000 users. This wasn’t just a tech upgrade—it was a strategic decision to stay competitive and globally relevant in a fast-changing education landscape.
Telling this story through BBC StoryWorks gave the university a powerful edge. The result was more than a beautiful video. It was a strategic communication tool that helped Granada strengthen its international brand, attract talented students and professors, and open new doors for collaboration. And it also gave Cisco an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to innovation in education—exactly the kind of visibility forward-thinking businesses are looking for when forming long-term partnerships.
This collaboration is a vivid example of how global platforms, strong narratives, and the right alliances can create far-reaching impact. Education, after all, is one of the most effective forms of soft power. And for Spain—a country that just a few weeks ago was announced as the second most visited destination in the world in the 2024 tourism season—soft power truly matters. Higher education contributes not only to national identity but also to GDP, innovation, and international influence.
What the University of Granada did so well was to combine its legacy with a bold vision—and then tell that story to the world. I believe it’s a model many institutions can follow. And I’d be happy to help them do just that.
Click the link below to explore “The Centuries-Old University of the Future”—a beautifully crafted feature on bbc.com that combines storytelling, imagery, and insight to showcase how the University of Granada is redefining academic innovation, with the support of Cisco and BBC StoryWorks.
And while you’re there, don’t be shy—scroll down and share your thoughts in the comment form. Whether you’re curious, impressed, or want to say “¡Buen trabajo!” we’d love to hear from you. After all, big ideas often start with great conversations.
Sergey Stanovkin 