A Study of Innovation Policies and Governance Structures in Emerging Economies Under the Path-Dependence Framework. The Case of Colombia

This study contributes to a better understanding of innovation policies in emerging economies from the path-dependence perspective. We assess the extent to which innovation policies, as implemented in Colombia between 1990 and 2018, are in a lock-in situation. Following the path-dependence framework, a lock-in situation keeps governments from harnessing a diverse portfolio of orientations, missions and innovation practices to be accomplished. Through document analysis and our own interpretation of key events, we conclude that innovation policies implemented in Colombia are in a lock-in situation characterised by a policy focused exclusively on industrial productivity, competitiveness and therefore in economic growth. To conclude this, we ensemble a heuristic using concepts from governance and policy studies, the path-dependence model from (Sydow et al., 2009) and the four self-reinforcing mechanisms studied by (Pierson, 2000). Results lead to reflect on the challenges of governance of a new generation of innovation policies in Colombia, capable of fulfilling legitimacy claims.