The PUEDES acronym reads for the Spanish translation of University Engagement in Economic and Social Development (Participación Universitaria para El Desarrollo Económico y Social en Latinoamérica). The project is promoted by a partnership of HEI that are strongly engaged (University Engagement is the motto of the project) in the scientific, economic and social development of their regions and countries. The Consortium is composed of 20 full partner Universities and 10 associated HEIs and other organisations and institutions, led by the University of Oviedo and the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro as joint coordinators. The partnership includes full members from the priority countries (Paraguay, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru) and from less developed regions: Puebla and Hidalgo (MX), Catamarca and San Luis (AR), Cauca (CO), Ñeembucú (PY) and Piura (PE). EU partners come from the six largest EU Member States (DE, FR, UK, IT, ES, PL) and Greece. The partnership includes 5 LA HEIs that have never been involved in EM Action 2, and some others that have only been involved in a few projects. Four of the EU partners (UViadrina, ULodz, GCU and Aristotle University) have never participated in EM Action 2 or similar projects with LA. The participation in the PUEDES consortium will bring the EU and LA HE institutions the opportunity to:• Reflect on the social role and the governance of the HE institutions and their role in building a more inclusive society.• Exchange academic programmes and teaching methodologies to improve the educational offer.• Intensify their links with the private sector, through the development of knowledge transfer systems, internship schemes, and career advice for graduates. • Strengthen the research activity and the production of knowledge of the participating institutions to contribute to the advance of science and technology base in their countries.• Enhance their international profile and setting up wider cooperation networks.