Among the selection criteria, Ruta N was highlighted as a key orchestrator of the innovation ecosystem.
Medellín continues to position itself internationally through its commitments and achievements in science, technology, and innovation. It has now been included in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Network of Innovation Ecosystems, a platform that connects 17 cities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia to promote collaboration, shared learning, and the development of innovative solutions. In this way, the capital of Antioquia stands alongside global benchmarks such as New York, San Francisco, Boston, Berlin, London, and Tokyo.
“Joining this platform allows us to connect with leading cities to drive innovation with real impact and strengthen international collaboration. This recognition projects Medellín as a global benchmark in science, technology, and innovation and reflects sustained efforts to consolidate an ecosystem that generates opportunities. Being part of this network enables us to continue accelerating innovation processes that translate into greater well-being, more opportunities, and improved quality of life for people", said Camilo Zapata Wills, Director of Strategic Relations at Ruta N.
Among the aspects highlighted by the forum for including the city in this network is the role of Ruta N as an orchestrator of the innovation ecosystem, connecting companies, academia, the public sector, and civil society, while strengthening entrepreneurship, applied research, and the international projection of the territory.
Another key factor was the transition toward a knowledge-based economy, supported by the integration of science, technology, and innovation for all. This process, backed by sustained public policies and institutional continuity, has consolidated a mature ecosystem with strong local roots and the potential to serve as a benchmark for equitable growth.
As part of this initiative, a series of meetings is planned to facilitate the exchange of experiences and learning. One of them is scheduled for April 27–29 and will include a public-private dialogue SusHi Tech Tokyo, focused on urban innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships.
Participation in this network adds to other global platforms in which Medellín has been involved, expanding its connections with innovation ecosystems and strengthening knowledge exchange. These include the C40 network for climate protection; the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities; the Lee Kuan Yew network; the WEF’s C4IR network (the only one in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world); and the IASP (International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation), among others.
Along this path, the work led by Ruta N, with the support of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Medellín, which connects the city with the world, continues to consolidate a model that positions the territory as a benchmark in science, technology, and innovation, with the capacity to contribute local solutions to shared global challenges.
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