Innovative profile of colombian manufacturing industries. Case of metal mechanics sector in barranquilla

Abstract

This article shows the results of the study “Patterns of technological innovation in Colombian manufacturing. The case of Metal Mechanics Sector in Barranquilla.” The article begins with a detailed review of the international literature to define the variables or indicators of the study; then it shows the results of a factor and cluster analysis, which indicate the existence of three groups of enterprises with innovation patterns defined according to its degree or level of innovation commitment: high, medium or low. Additionally, it is developed a structural analysis to de­termine causal relationships between those factors. With the results the authors builds an analysis model and an innovative profile as a model for Colombian manufacturing companies. These results are accompanied by a set of proposed strategies and actions aimed at the enterprises capacities strengthening in terms of their innovative effort.