Science, technology, and innovation policy and regional scientific production in Colombia: a methodological framework to address asymmetries in developing countries

Abstract

This study investigates the territorial impact of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy on regional scientific productivity in Colombia, focusing on key indicators, such as research output, research group and researcher density, GDP contribution, per capita income, innovation index, and labor productivity. The analysis reveals significant disparities: Bogotá-Cundinamarca, Antioquia, Valle del Cauca, and Santander concentrate 60.5% of research groups and 63.5% of researchers, while the remaining 28 departments hold only 39.5 and 36.5%, respectively. These imbalances reflect structural inequities in funding allocation, institutional development, and knowledge production capacity. In response, the study proposes a five-stage methodological framework comprising resource diagnostics, strategic planning, institutional capacity building, implementation of sustainable innovations, and monitoring through tailored Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This framework offers a replicable, data-driven tool for reducing regional asymmetries, strengthening research ecosystems, and promoting inclusive, innovation-based development in structurally constrained regions. By adopting this model, policymakers can design targeted interventions that align scientific output with broader goals of equity, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.