Join forces to promote the development of the Colombian productive sector

(Bogota, February 2006). Under a technical cooperation agreement, Colciencias, the Spanish government, the Andean Development Corporation (CAF) and Coruniversitaria, will conduct a study to evaluate the impact of the Technology Development Centers (CDTs) and the Regional Productivity Centers (CRPs) on the Colombian business sector.

The study is aimed at a reformulation of national support policy for the Centers with a view to strengthening the National Innovation System as a fundamental tool for raising productivity and competitiveness in the productive sector, and contributing to improving the living standards of the population.

The terms of reference of the study are to make an integrated diagnosis of the Centers and of the progress of the work in network, formulate a public policy to develop the Centers, and finally design a support program for them.

Colombia currently has 40 Technology Development Centers, many of which lack the necessary resources for sustainability. They urgently need the implementation of a policy to guarantee their sustainability and self-sufficiency which responds to the real reason for their existence, which is to contribute to creating competitive companies.

These Centers were created as a fundamental part of the National Innovation System for the generation and transfer of technology which creates competitive companies to enter domestic and external markets.

This study is part of the Andean Competitiveness Program (PAC), one of the most important CAF programs, which defines and promotes the implementation of a local, national and regional competitiveness agenda to achieve the competitive participation of Andean countries in global markets and higher growth rates compatible with the parameters of sustainable development.