Historically, Colombia’s economy internationally is most recognized for its export of raw materials. Colombian coffee is so well known it has become almost a symbol for the country. In addition to coffee, Colombia’s economy has also grown due to the exports of oil and minerals. While these exports will continue to be of great, the Colombian government has begun to look also at other sectors for growth.

The Colombian government has begun to focus on enhancing in the area of science, technology and innovation. For example, last year Colombia was the 37th member admitted to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. More recently, the government approved a bill creating the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (“MSTI”) as well as creating a group dedicated to assist in developing public policy around science, technology and innovation called “Mision de Sabios” (“Mission of the Wise”).

The newly created MSTI will have a seat in the ministerial cabinet, access to greater resources and enhanced visibility. MSTI is designed to succeed Colciencias, an organization that since 1968 has been in charge of research and science in the country.

MSTI will be in charge with the task of supporting the different regions of the country in administering resources for science and technology and to promote a variety of research initiatives. The importance of MSTI has been praised by the current president and several legislators who believe Colombia must act to avoid falling behind.

The “Misión de Sabios” is an initiative consisting of a group of academics and experts appointed by the government who seek to create guidelines in the field of science, technology and innovation in order to advance public policy and create a road map for the country. The group will focus on a variety of areas ripe for development such as sustainable energy, creative and cultural industries, life and health sciences and hydrobiological oceans.

The “Misión de Sabios” is an interdisciplinary group made up from several countries. Among its members are figures such as Serge Haroche, a French physicist who won a Nobel Prize in 2012 and Rodolfo Llinás, a prominent Colombian researcher in the area of neurophysiology.

Colombia’s initiatives are part of a framework working towards Colombia’s expansion in science and innovation. The creation of these policies, will make Colombia an attractive destination for investment by nationals and foreigners seeking to build related industries with these areas.

SRS Colombia has a specialized team of destination and immigration consultants that provides support to companies bringing foreign personnel with a focus on a fast and pleasant integration into all that Colombia has to offer.

References:

Colciencias. (2019, February 8). Presidente Duque lanzó la Misión Internacional de Sabios, que aportará a la construcción de una sociedad con equidad. Retrieved February 18, 2019, from https://www.colciencias.gov.co/sala_de_prensa/presidente-duque-lanzo-la-mision-internacional-sabios-que-aportara-la-construccion

El Tiempo. (2018, December 17). Los alcances que tendría el nuevo Ministerio de Ciencia. Retrieved February 18, 2019, from https://www.eltiempo.com/vida/ciencia/que-funciones-tendra-el-nuevo-ministerio-de-ciencia-de-colombia-306440

El Tiempo. (2019, February 12). Estos son los miembros de la nueva Misión de Sabios. Retrieved February 18, 2019, from https://www.eltiempo.com/vida/ciencia/miembros-de-la-mision-de-sabios-de-colombia-en-el-2019-324468

RCN Radio. (2018, December 16). Colombia tendrá un nuevo Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología. Retrieved February 18, 2019, from https://www.rcnradio.com/politica/colombia-tendra-un-nuevo-ministerio-de-ciencia-y-tecnologia

RCN Radio. (2019, January 24). Duque sanciona ley que crea el Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología. Retrieved February 18, 2019, from https://www.rcnradio.com/colombia/duque-sanciona-ley-que-crea-el-ministerio-de-ciencia-y-tecnologia

The Nobel Prize. (2012). Serge Haroche. Retrieved February 18, 2019, from https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2012/haroche/facts/