CTA is the Antioquia Science and Technology Center, a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting science, technology, and innovation as tools for the transformation of people, organizations, and territories.
For more than 35 years, CTA has promoted and enabled the social appropriation of science, technology, and innovation through the design and implementation of programs and instruments, the development of agendas, plans, and public policies, and the development of networks and institutions, thus contributing to the sustainable development of our territories.
During 2024, CTA took part in the WAITRO benchmarking process which involved 30 other member Research and Technology Organisations. CTA were involved in the testing and implementation of the benchmarking tool and achieved direct benefits of the involvement.
Benchmarking: A Strategic Pathway to Excellence
Embarking on the recertification process as an Innovation and Productivity Center (IPC) within Colombia’s Science and Technology System—overseen by the Ministry of Science and Technology—the role of benchmarking was critical for CTA in obtaining their recertification. The insights gained from benchmarking activities provided CTA with a clear, data-driven pathway to enhance its practices, inform decision-making, and shape its strategic work plan for the coming years.
Leveraging Benchmarking for Continuous Improvement
The benchmarking project and platform have been invaluable tools for CTA. By serving as a comprehensive dashboard, they allow CTA to systematically identify strengths and areas for improvement. We strongly encourage continued development of these benchmarking capabilities and broader participation, as increased engagement will enrich the data pool and enable more meaningful comparisons.
Fostering Regional Collaboration and Capacity Building
Within the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, CTA is actively encouraging fellow institutions to take part in benchmarking exercises. This collaborative effort not only helps organizations identify their own growth opportunities but also equips CTA (as the LAC WAITRO Regional Focal Point) with valuable aggregated data for cross-institutional analysis. These insights play a key role in shaping targeted capacity-building initiatives that meet the specific needs of the LAC region.
While participation in benchmarking has been lower than anticipated, there is a growing recognition among LAC organizations of the value this process brings to their own development and performance.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Benchmarking
Moving forward, CTA sees immense value in the continued use of benchmarking platforms and data. These efforts will not only guide CTAs own strategic actions but also enhance their ability to support WAITRO members throughout the region. CTA believes that sustained collaboration and data sharing are key to driving innovation and productivity in science and technology.
