The industrial sector of Duitama, contributions to its characterization

Abstract

This article presents the most relevant results of the descriptive, nonexperimental study of qualitative approach called “Contributions to the characterization of the Industrial Sector of the city of Duitama, Boyaca” whose purpose, focused on recognizing the above-mentioned sector, is an academic approximation to the exercise of educational relevance. While the Industrial Corridor of Boyaca is the base of the economy of this Department and the city of Duitama is not only the core of this industrial corridor, but also the center of regional development, the companies of the industrial sector of this city that reported their economic activity to the corresponding Chamber of Commerce in November 2016, are the target of this study. The Departmental competitiveness* index whose consecutive record from 2013 to 2016 has been decisive since it reveals the lowest performance in terms of innovation and business dynamics for Boyaca. The application of the same instrument allowed knowing some aspects of the business dynamics and, particularly, aspects of behavior in terms of innovation by the aforementioned companies performance about innovation as well as the expectations of inquired entrepreneurs regarding the performance of the industrial designer. Although it was identified that most of the target companies under study do not consider research, development and innovation activities as part of their dynamics yet, there is awareness about the consequences of this fact and a clear interest on the part of the entrepreneurs in technological update and product innovation which represents an opportunity for the academia in the next stage of the exercise of educational relevance, and also for the industrial designer as it illustrates potential horizons in professional performance and, with it, the opportunity of intervention of design as an economic development factor.