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ScienceDirect
Procedia Computer Science 158 (2019) 573–581

3rd World Conference on Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (WOCTINE)

3rd World Conference on Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (WOCTINE)
Avocado and Coffee Supply Chains Specialization in Colombia
Avocado and Coffee Supply Chains Specialization in Colombia
Santiago Quintero Ramirez11*, Bibiana Marín Sánchez11, Santiago Cubillos Jimenez11,
Santiago QuinteroWalter
Ramirez *, Castañeda
Ruiz Bibiana Marín
2 Sánchez
, Diana , Santiago
Giraldo RamirezCubillos
1 Jimenez ,
Walter Ruiz Castañeda , Diana Giraldo Ramirez
2 1
1Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
1Universidad Nacional
2Universidad Pontificiade
Bolivariana,
Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
2Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia

Abstract
Abstract
The specialization approach, understood as the process through which firms create specific knowledge and capabilities through
The specialization
learning, approach,
is an important factor understood as the
to understand theprocess
voluntarythrough
effortwhich firmstocreate
they make acquire specific knowledge
the necessary and capabilities
capabilities to competethrough
in a
learning,
supply is an(SC).
chain important
From factor to understand
this perspective, the voluntary
specialization is aeffort they phenomenon
complex make to acquire thatthe necessary
emerges alongcapabilities to compete
with learning. in a
Modelling
supply
and chain (SC).
simulation haveFrom
proventhistoperspective, specialization
be an appropriate methodologyis a complex phenomenon
for the analysis of such that emerges along
phenomena. with learning.
Nevertheless, existingModelling
models
and simulation
have limitationshave proven
related to thetocharacterization
be an appropriate of methodology
their agents and formarket
the analysis
forces.ofTosuch phenomena.
overcome these Nevertheless, existing models
limitations, a characterization
have
of limitations
supply relatedrelated
chain agents to the characterization of theirhas
to coffee and avocado agents
beenand marketbased
proposed forces.onTotheir
overcome thesecapabilities.
innovation limitations,The
a characterization
objective was
of supply
to diagnose chain
the agents relatedoftothe
capabilities coffee andwho
actors avocado
competehas and
beencollaborate
proposed based on their
through innovation
interaction. The capabilities. The objective
conclusion about was
the findings
to diagnoseofthe
understood how capabilities
the actors of the actors
specialize andwho
learncompete
in these and
supplycollaborate
chains and through interaction.
what their dynamics The
andconclusion
behavioursabout
are. Itthe
alsofindings
served
understood
as a guide forof the
howpolicies
the actors
andspecialize
strategies and learn in the
to improve these supply chains
economic and whatperformance
and innovative their dynamics and behaviours
of these chains. In are. It alsothrough
addition, served
as aanalysis
the guide forofthethepolicies
patternsand
of strategies to improve
specialization the economic
in SC, it´s shown thatand innovative
they have not performance
accumulated of these
their TCIchains. Inaaddition,
and, as through
result, there is a
the analysis
lack of the patterns
of competitiveness dueoftospecialization in SC, it´s
the limited adaptation to shown that they
a competitive have not accumulated
environment their of
and satisfaction TCI and, as
market a result, there is a
needs.
lack of competitiveness due to the limited adaptation to a competitive environment and satisfaction of market needs.
© 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.
© 2019
© 2019 The
The Authors.
Author(s). Published
Publishedbyby Elsevier B.V.
Peer-review under responsibility of Elsevier B.V. committee of the 3rd World Conference on Technology, Innovation and
the scientific
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 3rd World Conference on Technology, Innovation and
Peer-review
Entrepreneurshipunder responsibility of the scientific committee of the 3rd World Conference on Technology, Innovation and
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
Keywords: Specialization, Suply Chains, Technological Capabilities for Innovation, Learning
Keywords: Specialization, Suply Chains, Technological Capabilities for Innovation, Learning

1. Introduction
1. Introduction
Supply chains (hereinafter SC) are characterized by their high economic and social potential for generating new
Supply chains
knowledge (hereinafter
and markets SC) are characterized
for developing by their high
countries. Likewise play economic and social
an increasingly potential
important roleforingenerating new
access to new
knowledge and
knowledge, markets
learning for developing
and innovation countries. Likewise
[1], conquering play an
the integration, increasingly and
communication important
ongoingrole in access to
coordination new
among
knowledge,
actors, learning and
and developing innovation
new [1], conquering
and improved the integration,
goods and services in ordercommunication and ongoing
to improve the economic coordination
performance among
of regions
actors, and developing new and improved goods and services in order to improve the economic performance of regions
[2].
[2].
* Corresponding author. E-mail address: Santiago.quintero@upb.edu.co
* Corresponding author. E-mail address: Santiago.quintero@upb.edu.co

1877-0509 © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

1877-0509 ©under
Peer-review 2019responsibility
The Author(s). Published
of the scientificbycommittee
Elsevier B.V.
of the 3rd World Conference on Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 3rd World Conference on Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

1877-0509 © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 3rd World Conference on Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
10.1016/j.procs.2019.09.091
574 Santiago Quintero Ramirez et al. / Procedia Computer Science 158 (2019) 573–581
2 Santiago Quintero/ Procedia Computer Science 00 (2019) 000–000

In the region of Antioquia, the coffee SC has represented the main product of the Colombian economy for more
than a century, becoming the key product for the country’s economic development [3]. In turn, the avocado SC has
become a very profitable sector as a result of its great potential in international markets due to the attributes of the fruit
[4]. However, despite the considerable dynamism of the chains and their organizational and systemic problems, there
is evidence of fragmentation, interconnection and low level of associativity, which hinders the interaction and
development of technological learning processes [5], which are essential to the construction and accumulation of
technological capabilities for innovation (hereinafter TCI) and specialization of these chains.
According to [6], a value chain behaves as a Complex Adaptive System (CAS). According to [7], a CAS is an
arrangement of actors that interact through rules that change as they gain experience and SC are no exception. A SC
can be considered a sectoral innovation system of a localized nature, composed of heterogeneous actors [8] that,
through their interactions, drive the learning processes, allowing the evolution of the system through the accumulation
of capabilities [9]. The objective of competencies in these systems is to satisfy the needs of a competitive environment
[1] that may or may not lead to the specialization of the actors in the system. From that perspective, it is important to
conduct studies and analyses to understand how specialization emerges from the patterns of accumulation of TCI of
the different SC. At present, there are few methods that provide a longitudinal perspective of the dynamics of the
actors’ behaviour [9], [10] such systems and a rigorous analysis of so called emerging phenomena such as
specialization. Likewise, there is no evidence to provide a better design and construction of policies and strategies for
a better economic and innovative performance in these systems.
From this angle, specialized literature has pointed out the importance of technological capabilities for analysis in
various systems of innovation [11], as well as the importance of specialization [12]. Innovation processes revolve
around interactive learning as a result of interaction and the accumulation of capabilities among actors in a system.
Currently, the specialization phenomenon is being addressed from a systemic approach, due to the importance of the
interaction of heterogeneous actors and their enabling functions such as generation, diffusion and use of knowledge
and technology [13]. These functions are essential to understanding any SC whose performance can be influenced by
the actors' capabilities to meet the needs of a competitive environment [9]. Capabilities are understood as an actor's
ability to make use of resources in order to perform a task or activity [14], which allows the characterization and
differentiation of the actors of any system. They can be developed and accumulated over time. Furthermore, actors
can integrate and complement their capabilities with other actors through strategic alliances.
The objective of this research was to design and develop an instrument to estimate the level of TCI of the most
representative actors of the avocado and coffee SC, in order to analyse their specialization. The capabilities were
associated with the key elements of the systemic model of organizational congruence of [15], which includes inputs,
transformation processes (throughput) and products/services (outputs). They determine the capabilities for the
activities of the firm, establishing the congruence between them for the actor’s better performance in the chain. To
such end, this work is structured as follows: Initially, in the section two, the theoretical framework of the TCI and its
relationship with the congruence model are provided. Then, the section three discusses the methodology used for the
development the instrument and the subsequent characterization the actors in the SC. The section four points out the
results and the statistical analyses of the measuring instrument developed, which estimates the TCI of the SC under
consideration, showing a low level of specialization of the TCI in both chains, reflected in the percentage variations
and patterns of accumulation according to the learning factor adopted by such systems. Finally, conclusions are
presented, where promoting interaction among the actors that make up the chains is essential in order to improve the
construction and accumulation of capabilities and their learning processes. It is concluded that specialization is a
systemic, dynamic and emerging phenomenon, and although this methodology allows the calculation of the percentage
variation and identification thereof, it is not possible to envision how specialization patterns emerge by estimating the
TCI resulting from the interaction among actors in the system. However, this estimate is an input that requires
modelling and simulation, in order to observe in detail, the dynamics and emerging behaviour of the specialization of
the capabilities as a result of the interaction among actors in these chains.
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Santiago Quintero/ Procedia Computer Science 00 (2019) 000–000 3

2. Theoretical Framework

2.1. Technological Capabilities for Innovation (TCI)

The importance of interaction among heterogeneous actors that make up SC and their enabling functions for the
generation, diffusion, and use of knowledge and technology is being used to analyze the phenomenon of innovation
where the functions, roles and relationships among actors are essential to understanding such systems [13], whose
performance can be influenced by the TCI of the actors who meet the needs of a competitive environment [16].
The aforementioned TCI of the actors involved in a SC are a key factor for their success. These TCI are defined as
the organization’s ability or fitness to perform its production activities in an efficient and effective manner through
the use, combination and coordination of its resources [17] and competencies, through several value creation
processes, as well as the objectives defined previously by the firm [18], associated with routines, enabling
organizations to capitalize on learning [19]. Through this learning in the organization, it is necessary to engage
integrated groups that can perform distinctive activities, with the purpose of creating knowledge and acquiring
capabilities [11]. In essence, technological learning is the dynamic process of acquisition of TCI, which is important
for the global competitiveness of a knowledge-based economy.
TCI are required by any innovation system to perform their functions of generation, diffusion and use of the
knowledge and technology distributed among the different actors that make up the system. These are technological,
innovation and/or technological innovation capabilities [20],[21],[22],[23],[24] which were classified as follows:
Research Capability and Development Capability, associated with the function of generating knowledge and
technology. Diffusion Capability and Linkage Capability, related to the function of diffusion of knowledge and
technology, and Capability of Appropriation for Production and Marketing Capability for Innovation, related to the
function of using knowledge and technology.
The functions of generating, diffusion and using knowledge play a key role in defining the patterns of accumulating
TCI, in the context of learning proposed by [25], [26]. From this perspective, the pattern of specialization of TCI will
depend on the learning factor adopted by the system resulting from the interaction among actors. The patterns aimed
at promoting learning as a result of the accumulation of TCI are related to the agents involved in the cycles of
exploration, exploitation [27], and intermediation as a liaison [28].

2.2. The relationship between TCI and the congruence model

The importance of TCI lies in the fact that they express the two modes of innovation (DUI - STI) and their
combinations of knowledge "know-how; who; what; why" of organizations [29], which are fundamental to business
success in competitive environments. Capability involves the organization’s knowledge, experience and skills [30].
This is one of the most important aspects for the organization to build a competitive advantage [31] through
management for innovation in the organization, which is carried out by means of corporate guidelines and through
people [32]. The congruence model of [15] been used successfully to design competitive organizations. Based on this
model, [33] propose a methodology for the evaluation of TCI. The model is based on the characteristic of system
recurrence, defining that for each capability; there must be an organizational system that enables it.
The model of Nadler and Tushman is an application of the contingency theory of organizations, which takes the
form of an open system, consisting of several components that exist in several states of congruence, the basic
hypothesis of the model is that the higher the level of congruence of its various components, the more effective the
organization will be. The inputs, strategy, throughputs and outputs are identified as components of the model.

3. Methodology

The methodology used for the analysis of specialization of the avocado and coffee SC consisted of four stages (see
Fig. 1).
4 Santiago Quintero/ Procedia Computer Science 00 (2019) 000–000
576 Santiago Quintero Ramirez et al. / Procedia Computer Science 158 (2019) 573–581

Stage 1. Specialized
Specialized Database
literature search

Stage 4.
Technological Stage 2.
Capabilities Supply Chain
Analysis Characterization

Porcentage increase Interview

Descriptive analysis
Specialization Structured Sources

Non unstructured sources

Learning factor Math

Input
finding
Technological
Stratified finite Capabilities
populations Stage 3. Stage 3. Measurement
Statistic Implementation Tool
analysis Development
Data collection

Stage 3.
Verification
“Information
Data”

Fig. 1 Proposed Methodology. Source: elaborated by the authors from [9]

The first stage conducted a search of specialized literature with respect to the theory of resources, capabilities, and
competencies. Subsequently, the theory of learning was explored in order to understand how TCI and their
specialization could be measured and estimated.
The second stage, the avocado and coffee SC in Antioquia, Colombia were characterized in order to identify actors
and their relationships between links. For this stage, a search on primary sources was conducted through interviews
with the most representative actors of each link of the chains, and through secondary sources of structured information
in scientific databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect and Springer) as well as non-structured sources, such as websites
specializing in the chain, books and attendance of events.
The third stage built an instrument to identify and gather the most relevant information on the TCI of the actors in
each link in the SC and on different timelines (Current, 5 and 10 years ago) from the perspective of the congruence
model and through structured surveys defined by stratified sampling for finite populations on actors of the SC. For its
analysis, this information was tabulated, and descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using the
STATGRAPHICS Centurion XVI software.
Finally, stage four carried out a classification of the capabilities according to [34] as follows: basic, intermediate
and advanced capabilities, to subsequently qualify the learning factors and the average variation in the TCI, which led
to several analyses of the specialization pattern of the TCI.
The specialization was analysed based on the studies of [9], [11], who points out that the functions of generating,
diffusion and using knowledge and technology in a regional innovation system play a key role in defining the patterns
of accumulating TCI, in the context of learning proposed by [25] and [26]. This means that the pattern of specialization
of TCI depends on the learning factor adopted by the system resulting from the interaction among actors.
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Santiago Quintero/ Procedia Computer Science 00 (2019) 000–000 5

4. Results and discussion

As a result of this research, an instrument was obtained to estimate the TCI and the patterns of specialization
through the variation of data collected in the SC

4.1. Measuring TCI in the avocado and coffee SC

An instrument was developed to measure the TCI in the avocado and coffee SC (see Fig. 2). To estimate and
measure the TCI of the actors that make up the avocado and coffee SC in Antioquia, Colombia, we designed a tool
based on the proposal of [33] and [9]. The objective of associating the TCI to the systemic model of organizational
congruence of [15] and its four dimensions (formal, informal, technological and human resources) was to quantify
each of the TCI based on a Likert scale and provide a better understanding of the evolution and level of each capability
of the actors of the chains under consideration. The TCI were classified according to [34] as follows: Basic (0.0 to
2.99); Intermediate (3.0 to 5.99) and Advanced (6.0 to 9.0).

Informal
organization

Inputs Outputs
Formal
Strategy Task
Organizational
“Technology” Institutional
Arrangements
Environment Level
Resources Group Level
History Individual
Individual Level

PROCESS

PROCESS
FEEDBACK

Fig. 2. Systemic Congruence Model of the Organization. Source: Adapted from [15].

4.2. Specialization in the avocado and Coffee SC

The instrument was applied on 93 actors in the avocado chain (95% confidence; 9.73% calculated error), as well
as 256 players of the coffee chain (95% confidence; 6.16% calculated error). Table 1 and Table 2 provide the results
regarding the measurement of the TCI and their variation. The percentage variation was calculated by standardizing
indices as follows: The difference between the capabilities in the evaluation period and their maximum and minimum
value. In addition to the quantification of the learning factors (over a period of 10 years) for the SC, the learning factor
was calculated using a mathematical model of logistic curve proposed by [9] use (1)

P(c) = K / 1 + e −γt (1)

Where:
K= Is the maximum magnitude that a capacity can take.
γ = Is the learning factor
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6 Santiago Quintero/ Procedia Computer Science 00 (2019) 000–000

t= Is the time in which a capacity is used

Table 1 shows that the TCI in the avocado SC are basic compared to the average data obtained, which do not exceed
the value of said level (3.0), except for the engagement capability (4.17), which is at an intermediate level of capability.
The accumulation of TCI reflected in the percentage variations are not significant enough to identify a specialization
in that chain, since the learning factors (capability accumulation rate) during these periods are basic (less than 0.1).
However, the percentage changes in the linkage capability (6.56%) and marketing capability (5.89%) in the years
2008 to 2013 and their respective learning factors lead us to infer that the chain accumulated such capabilities due to
the demand for international markets, which lead to the building of new complex and integrated knowledge bases,
which are necessary to use such knowledge strategically.
The avocado SC has had major potential for export to international markets, as demonstrated by the increase in the
marketing capability in the year 2013 (5.895). However, the accumulation of this capability has currently decreased
(-4.0%). One of the possible causes of this detriment was the issue in the capability of appropriation for production.
The increase in areas planted with avocados amounted to 49% in the last 4 years [35], associated with the increase in
interest in establishing this crop, show significant growth of new players with basic TCI of appropriation for
production, which is reflected in a lower percentage variation (-1.56%), which highlights the shortcomings and
weaknesses regarding technology appropriation in production, logistical and marketing processes, such as: fruit
quality that does not meet the quality standards required by foreign markets due to: stalk rot, agrochemical residue,
quality for cosmetics and mechanical damage of the fruit, thus affecting the quality of the pulp [36],[37]. In addition,
according to the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA for the Spanish original), approximately 357 producers are
registered as Hass avocado exporters in the department of Antioquia and 82 producers have the GAP Global
Certification [38].

Table 1. Descriptive statistical results of the avocado sc.

Measure Research Development Diffusion Linkage Appropriation Market

Year 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018

sample 43 59 93 43 59 93 43 59 93 43 59 93 43 59 93 43 59 93

Average 1.23 0.92 0.61 1.1 0.81 0.57 2.9 3.09 2.78 3.58 4.17 4.29 2.13 2.53 2.39 0.97 1.5 1.14

Standard deviation 2.67 2.37 2.02 2.44 2.15 1.83 2.43 2.26 2.17 2.3 1.91 1.68 2.2 2.09 1.99 1.99 1.69 1.53
Variation Coefficient
217 259 330 221 266 319 84 73 78 64 46 39 103 82 83 204 112 134
(%)
Learning factor - -0.07 -0.09 - -0.07 -0.08 - 0.02 -0.03 - 0.05 0.01 - 0.05 -0.02 - 0.1 -0.06
Porcentual increment
- -3.44 -3.44 - -3.22 -2.67 - 2.11 -3.44 - 6.56 1.33 - 4.44 -1.56 - 5.89 -4
(%)

One of the causes of the shortcomings mentioned above is the weak capability of knowledge diffusion, as a barrier
for the technification of crops in the harvest and post-harvest development processes of crop varieties [39]. This
setback is related to basic (-0.03%) learning factors and the negative percentage variation (-3.44%) of such capability.
The foregoing generates a deficiency in the exchange of knowledge and in the learning processes that allow the
creation and acquisition of TCI [40], [41]. With regard to the linkage capability, there is a positive percentage
variation(6.56%), originated by the increase in exports, which has motivated producers with basic TCI to acquire
knowledge regarding the production process, through relations and linkage with the services of outreach, marketing,
suppliers of plant material and inputs, which allows them to take their product to the market.
In relation to the results of the coffee chain, Table 2 shows that the average capabilities are at the basic level and
do not exceed the value of two (2.0). Furthermore, the accumulation of TCI reflected in the percentage variations are
not significant enough to identify a specialization in the chain, since the learning factors during these periods were not
significant (less than 0.1), leading to the inference that the accumulation of TCI has been slow for the period under
evaluation. It is a note that despite the low percentage variation in marketing capacity, the learning factor of the coffee
chain was (0.1), due to the demand of differentiated markets, which impel the actors to learn from the competitive
 Santiago Quintero Ramirez et al. / Procedia Computer Science 158 (2019) 573–581 579
Santiago Quintero/ Procedia Computer Science 00 (2019) 000–000 7

environment. This entails the development of more complex and integrated knowledge bases to meet the needs of the
environment, such as special coffees.

Table 2. Descriptive statistical results of the coffee SC

Measure Research Development Diffusion Linkage Appropriation Market

Year 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018 2008 2013 2018

sample 209 235 256 209 235 256 209 235 256 209 235 256 209 235 256 209 235 256

Average 0.15 0.16 0.19 0.16 0.15 0.16 1.01 1.06 1.19 1.32 1.42 1.59 0.99 1.19 1.52 0.18 0.26 0.42

Standard deviation 0.94 1.01 1.1 0.99 0.98 1.01 1.1 1.16 1.36 1.16 1.23 1.45 1.03 1.1 1.15 0.83 0.98 1.21

Variation Coefficient (%) 609 624 594 606 636 618 109 109 114 88 86 91 104 93 75 457 382 285

Learning factor - 0.01 0.04 - -0.01 0.01 - 0.01 0.03 - 0.02 0.03 - 0.04 0.06 - 0.08 0.1

Porcentual increment (%) - 0.11 0.33 - -0.11 0.11 - 0.56 1.44 - 1.11 1.89 - 2.22 3.67 - 0.89 1.78

The low level of specialization in the coffee chain has affected its international competitiveness, to the point that a
"Coffee Crisis" has been declared in 2018, expressed at a price 1 that does not meet the cost of production in many
parts of the country, which has led to a 6% drop in coffee production [42]). However, it is important to highlight the
internal efforts made with the aim of increasing grain production performance 2 [43], [44] and decreasing production
costs (which represent the 60% of costs), reflected in the percentage increase in the capability of appropriation for
production (3.67%). These factors are essential to increase domestic grain profitability at the international level.
In recent years, trends such as differentiated coffees 3 , which require the knowledge of a specific international need
to later be satisfied by means of a differential production process, may be reflected in the increase in the learning
factor for the marketing capability (32.17%). These production alternatives have led to a specialization in the actors
of the chain involved in the supply of such opportunities for innovation, which require the development of adequate
capabilities of diffusion and linkage to reflect the market needs in a product with specific attributes. However, this
trend is not representative enough in the chain to generate an accumulation of TCI with a view to their further
specialization.
According to specialized literature, in order to consider an innovation system, there must be actors that comply
with the functions of generation, diffusion and use [13] and SC are no exception, particularly those that are located in
regions with resources and capabilities. Accordingly, and in accordance with the data, it has been observed that
research and development capabilities do not have significant percentage variations, showing the need of the chains
for their actors to become more involved in the role of generation, to increase the knowledge with a view to
differentiating the production and transformation of their raw materials.

5. Conclusions

The methodology used in this work allows the calculation of the percentage variation and the identification of
patterns of specialization of TCI. However, this is a systemic, dynamic and emerging phenomenon, which could not
be understood through the interaction of the actors that make up the chains since it requires modeling and simulation
in order to observe the phenomenon and the behavior of specialization in greater detail.

1
The domestic price, compared to the first quarter of 2017, has dropped 13.7%, going from COP 864,356 to COP 746,304 for 125 kilos (two
sacks); it has even reached COP 708,000, the lowest in 30 months [42]
2
Performance increased 41.72% from 2013 to 2018 in the coffee SC in Antioquia, Colombia.
3
Special coffees grow at an annual rate of 7%, whereas traditional coffee shows an increase of 1% [44]
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8 Santiago Quintero/ Procedia Computer Science 00 (2019) 000–000

Through the analysis of the patterns of specialization in SC, it is shown that they have not accumulated their TCI
and, as a result, there is a lack of competitiveness due to the limited adaptation to a competitive environment and
satisfaction of market needs.
With respect to learning factors, in the coffee chain, it was noted that the marketing capability had a greater learning
factor in 2018, whereas for the avocado chain, learning factors were only representative in the marketing capability
of the year 2013.
The avocado and coffee SC show shortcomings in the development of new knowledge to help build and accumulate
TCI to obtain competitive advantages in Global Value Chains (GVCs). Therefore, it is essential to develop policies
and strategies to encourage interaction among all the actors that make up said SC in order to improve the learning
process.
For a future paper, we intend to use the data collected for an agent based simulation model. The objective will be
to simulate different scenarios of policies and strategies to help understand the learning dynamics and patterns of
specialization of the TCI in the SC, in a context to competition and collaboration among actors aiming to take
advantage of the opportunities of innovation in a competitive environment.

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks to Colciencias who provided us with the funding for this project, which is framed in Line 1 of
Science, Technology and Innovation for Peace Building. We would also like to thank the actors of the SC who were
willing and kind enough to provide us with the information to complete the instrument. Finally, we would like to
thank our team, who has worked hard on the implementation of the project.

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