Medellín, STI District

Global challenges today, such as climate change, resource scarcity, energy transition, and a fragile world economy, compel countries not only to stay afloat but also to drive growth. Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are becoming essential tools for rapidly impactful solutions.

Around the world, cities have been preparing to face these global challenges on a local level, creating ecosystems where STI can drive solutions to major issues with limited resources. Innovation districts play a crucial role in this transformation.

According to the World Economic Forum, over 100 innovation districts have emerged globally in the last 10 years, generating, on average, four times more innovations and nine times more job opportunities than traditional commercial, industrial, or mixed-use areas.

For over eight years, Medellín has had an Innovation District around the Ruta N complex, dedicated to transforming the region through the establishment of tech-based organizations, high-impact projects, and a social strategy to improve the lives of nearby residents. Recognizing this trajectory, we have taken an additional step—now the entire city is officially designated as a Special Science, Technology, and Innovation District.

This title grants Medellín the competencies and authority to create more jobs, form partnerships to enhance solutions, offer tax incentives to encourage entrepreneurship, and develop local ecosystems to address global issues.

This text was originally published in the October 10 edition of ADN newspaper.