Hologram of Firms with Respect to the Productive Fabric of a Region: A Case of Business Transformation through Knowledge Transfer in Medellín (Colombia)

Abstract

The holographic principle states that the whole is contained in each of its parts. In this study, we apply the holographic concept to business studies, with a particular focus on how business transformation might have an impact on the growth of a region. Following an experimental approach, mixed methods research was used to collect descriptive data from a set of firms in Medellín (Colombia). Two measurements (MET1 and MET2) were performed as part of the management model (MM) implemented, which allowed us to quantify the variables defined in the MM. Once a transformation was evidenced, a second measurement was carried out to compare the results and identify improvements in each dimension of the intervened firms. Additionally, the findings of this research (conducted over the course of eight years) were contrasted, from a holographic perspective and per economic sector, with reports on the region’s economic growth provided by organisations such as the local chambers of commerce. Through the implementation of an MM developed by the Universidad de Envigado in a set of firms in the region, this study contributes to the literature on how the university impacts the industry through knowledge transfer.