A challenge of sustainability: The new metropolitan district of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship of Aburrá valley in Colombia [Un desafío de sostenibilidad: El nuevo distrito metropolitano de ciencia, tecnología, innovación y emprendimiento del valle del Aburrá en Colombia]

Abstract

Science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship are priority means to the economic development of Colombia that support and enhance local resources and capabilities. The aim of this work is to analyze the public policy and the governance of a future District of Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship to illustrate the sustainability of this political-administrative figure as a necessary condition to enhance those means of development in the city of Medellín and the Aburrá valley. Qualitative methods are considered to integrate the most relevant results of two studies conducted by the authors. Results suggest that the District' sustainability could be based on voluntary agreements given the normative limitations. These agreements should be constructed between governmental, business and social actors that integrate economic, environmental and social interests, in order to improve both regional and city welfare.