Bogota, D.C. November 19, 2024. On November 21, Bogota will host the “Meeting of Innovation Ecosystems: Ideas that Transform”, organized by the Bogota Chamber of Commerce. This event, which will take place at the Agora Convention Center, will bring together some of the world's leading experts in innovation and urban development, consolidating Bogota as a benchmark in the transformation towards a knowledge-based economy.

The event seeks to share experiences on the crucial role of innovation districts in the economic and social growth of cities. By bringing together renowned figures such as Bruce Katz, director of Drexel University's Nowak Metro Finance Lab, the CCB reaffirms its commitment to making Bogota a center of innovation and development.

Attendees will have an in-depth look at how innovation districts can drive the development of more competitive and sustainable cities. Experts from Mexico and Argentina will share their vision on how these ecosystems can be the engine of change in 21st century cities, while Bruce Katz, author of “The Metropolitan Revolution”, will address how cities can become engines of inclusive and equitable growth.

The program includes two panel discussions that will explore successful strategies and global case studies.In the panel “Knowledge on the move: strategies for the creation of innovation ecosystems”, approaches applied in cities such as Monterrey, Buenos Aires will be presented. Another panel, “From Innovation to Action: Lessons for Success,” will address how to transform innovative ideas into tangible results that benefit society.

This event is aligned with the long-term vision of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the city.One of the most ambitious projects in this regard is the Bogota Science, Technology and Innovation Campus (CTIB), a key initiative that represents a milestone in the city's effort to consolidate itself as a regional center of knowledge and technology, and which also has the Mayor's Office of Bogota, through the District Secretariat of Economic Development and ATENEA, SENA, Corferias and the Colsubsidio, Compensar and Cafam Compensation Funds, as strategic partners.

With 247 hectares and a 44,000 square meter building, this campus will not only foster collaboration between academia, the private sector and government, but will also be an engine for the creation of innovative solutions in various sectors.

Ovidio Claros Polanco, president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce stated that “This meeting represents a crucial step in Bogota's path to becoming a benchmark for innovation and collaboration in Latin America. We are creating an ecosystem where transformative ideas are generated, with direct impact on the welfare of the community and that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the business ecosystem, not only in the city, but also in the country”, he said.

The District Secretary for Economic Development, María del Pilar López Uribe, highlighted that "The Bogota Science, Technology and Innovation Campus (CTIB) is a strategic commitment to transform the city's productive potential and strengthen its competitiveness. Although the main headquarters of the building will be operational in 2028, we understand the need to meet the demands of the ecosystem early. Therefore, starting in 2025, we will implement a portfolio of services through pilot processes that will allow us to adjust and strengthen strategies to maximize their impact.

The event is not only an opportunity to share knowledge, but also a space to establish connections that will help Bogota move towards a more sustainable and collaborative future. The Bogota Chamber of Commerce continues to be a strategic partner in making this vision a reality, integrating all sectors in the construction of a city that responds to today's challenges.

Luis Bullrich, president of the Parque de Innovación de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires stated that: “Innovation districts, such as the Parque de Innovación de Buenos Aires, act as catalysts for economic growth by concentrating human resources, high-tech companies and financing in a single space. This generates synergies that enable the development of innovative solutions in key sectors (e.g., biotech, artificial intelligence, and sustainability). Moreover, by fostering international relations, these districts enable cooperation in joint projects, generating a bidirectional flow of talent and investment that strengthens the local and global economy.”

If you are interested in attending the “Meeting of Innovation Ecosystems: Ideas that transform”, learn more and register here. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this key event for the future of innovation and urban development in Bogota.