Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural
https://revistasober.org/article/doi/10.1590/1806-9479.2025.283627
Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Conditions for developing agro-biotechnology innovation clusters: empirical evidence from Colombia based on critical success factors

Condições para o desenvolvimento de clusters de inovação em agrobiotecnologia: evidências empíricas da Colômbia com base em fatores críticos de sucesso

Christian Johannes Bruszies

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1806-9479.2025.283627 resr, vol.63, e283627, 2025
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Abstract

This study examines the conditions necessary for enhancing emerging agro-biotechnology clusters at the regional level in Colombia. To identify these conditions, the author developed a conceptual model of success factors based on a holistic and sustainable perspective provided by the “Systemic Competitiveness” framework of the German Development Institute. This model emphasizes that competitiveness is built upon and articulated across four economic levels: meta, macro, meso, and micro. It highlights the importance of considering specific success factors at each level. The primary data for this study were collected through an analysis of the agro-biotechnology cluster initiative in Colombia's Valle del Cauca region, with insights derived from interviews with regional industry experts. The findings are further supplemented by a literature review mapping the success factors of innovation clusters. This research offers empirical insights into the development of Colombia's emerging bioeconomy, exploring the capabilities, conditions, and practices necessary for the industry to achieve superior performance in the future. The study underscores that there is no universal blueprint, as each local context is unique. However, by identifying the presence or absence of key components and systemic competitive success factors, the study provides valuable guidance for investing time and resources effectively.

Keywords

cluster of innovation, agro-biotechnology cluster, cluster initiatives, systemic competitiveness

Resumo

Resumo: Este estudo analisa as condições necessárias para fortalecer clusters emergentes de agro-biotecnologia em nível regional na Colômbia. Para identificar essas condições, o autor desenvolveu um modelo conceitual de fatores de sucesso, baseado em uma perspectiva holística e sustentável da estrutura de “Competitividade Sistêmica” do Instituto Alemão de Desenvolvimento. Este modelo destaca que a competitividade é construída e articulada em quatro níveis econômicos: meta, macro, meso e micro, enfatizando a importância de considerar fatores específicos em cada nível. Os dados primários foram obtidos por meio de uma análise da iniciativa do cluster de agro-biotecnologia na região do Valle del Cauca, com base em entrevistas com especialistas da indústria local. Os resultados são complementados por uma revisão de literatura que mapeia fatores de sucesso em clusters de inovação. Esta pesquisa fornece evidências empíricas sobre o desenvolvimento da bioeconomia emergente na Colômbia, explorando as capacidades, condições e práticas essenciais para que a indústria alcance um desempenho excepcional no futuro. O estudo ressalta que não existe um modelo único, pois cada contexto local possui características particulares. No entanto, ao identificar a presença ou ausência de componentes-chave e fatores sistêmicos de sucesso competitivo, a pesquisa oferece orientação valiosa para direcionar efetivamente o investimento de tempo e recursos.

Palavras-chave

cluster de inovação, cluster de agro-biotecnologia, iniciativas de cluster, competitividade sistêmica

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