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Formative Research
This paper analyzes the role of formative research as a mechanism for promoting the creation of technology-based companies at Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD) through the articulation of public policies, institutional strategies, and innovation processes aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship. The research adopts a mixed, exploratory, and descriptive approach to examine regulations, public policies, and institutional dynamics related to science, technology, innovation, and business development in Colombia.
The study analyzes the country’s competitiveness landscape, the limitations affecting investment in research and development, and the need to strengthen innovation ecosystems capable of generating technological solutions aligned with the social and productive needs of the regions. It also reviews regulatory frameworks such as Act 1014 of 2006 on the culture of entrepreneurship, Act 1838 of 2017 on spin-off companies, and Act 1951 of 2019 establishing the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, identifying their contributions to strengthening entrepreneurial capacities within higher education institutions.
The research further highlights institutional initiatives developed by UNAD through the Research Management System, the creation of the Vice-Rectorate for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the consolidation of strategies aimed at strengthening specialized knowledge groups, incubators, and innovation hubs. Finally, the document proposes the creation of a Specialized Knowledge Node (NEC) focused on technology-based entrepreneurship and business development through the articulation of scientific research, applied innovation, and interinstitutional cooperation processes.
The report also presents analyses of entrepreneurship projects developed within the university, researcher participation, research events, and the institution’s potential for generating startups and spin-offs. The proposal emphasizes collaboration among universities, businesses, government institutions, society, and the environment within the framework of the quintuple helix model, promoting knowledge transfer, regional competitiveness, and productive transformation driven by technological innovation.
