Social Innovation Country Report:
Colombia
In Colombia, there is an official, legally recognized definition of social innovation.
Legal and Policy Frameworks

Colombia has adopted the following legal frameworks, strategies, and vision documents related to social innovation:

  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Social Innovation
  • Social Businesses
  • Social [and Solidarity] Economy
  • Impact Economy
  • Non-profit organizations and charities
  • Welfare sector
  • Community based
  • led organizations
  • SDG
  • ESG
Current stage of implementation:
Stage5: Welfare sector
Stage6: Impact Economy
Stage7: Non-profit organizations and charities
Stage8: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy

with:

  • Stage1: “No Policy or Recognition: No formal recognition, discussion, or policy exists. The sector operates informally or without government involvement.”;
  • Stage2: “Initial Discussions & Awareness: The government acknowledges the sector and has started discussions or consultations, but no formal policy framework or regulation exists.”;
  • Stage3: “Draft Policy or Framework in Development: A draft policy, strategy, or regulatory framework is currently being developed. The government may be conducting research, stakeholder consultations, or legislative drafting.”;
  • Stage4: “Pilot Programs or Limited Implementation: Some initiatives, pilot projects, or partial government-backed programs exist, but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Policies may be tested in select regions or for specific groups.”;
  • Stage5: “Policy Adopted but Not Fully Implemented: A formal law, policy, or regulation has been passed, but it has not been fully implemented, enforced, or funded. Gaps in execution may still exist.”;
  • Stage6: “Policy in Effect & Actively Implemented: The policy is fully enacted and actively being implemented. There is clear government support, funding, and enforcement mechanisms in place.”;
  • Stage7: “Policy Reviewed & Strengthened: The existing policy has been evaluated and improved over time based on feedback, data, or evolving needs. New funding, incentives, or structural reforms may have been introduced.”; and
  • Stage8: “Leading in Policy Innovation: The country is recognized as a leader in this policy area, with best practices, strong regulatory frameworks, and incentives that actively promote and support the sector.”
More details:

https://portalparalapaz.gov.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Archivo-Digital-07-Plan-Nacional-de-Fomento.pdf

https://colaboracion.dnp.gov.co/CDT/ModernizacionEstado/EReI/Guia_Metodologica_AIN.pdf

https://www.unidadsolidaria.gov.co/sites/default/files/archivos/fundaciones.pdf

https://www.minigualdadyequidad.gov.co/827/articles-383368_Programa_Nacional_de_Cuidado.pdf

Ecosystem Actors
Key Actors in the Ecosystem

The leading actors driving social innovation in Colombia include government ministries, social enterprises, NGOs, philanthropic institutions, academia, and other ecosystem builders. The top three most influential actors are:

  • Government entity (ministries/agencies)
  • Social entreprises & social innovateurs (Impact hubs)
  • NGOs

Examples: https://www.supersolidaria.gov.co/sites/default/files/gad_2024/20240612_dts_001.pdf

Education and Capacity Building

Formal and informal education programs that support social innovation exist in the following forms in Colombia:

  • University-level courses or degrees:“ Social innovation, social entrepreneurship, or impact-driven business programs are offered as courses, degrees, or research tracks in universities or technical institutions
  • Government-supported training programs:“ The government has launched or funded capacity-building programs, incubators, or skill-development initiatives to support social innovation
  • Private sector or NGO-led programs:“ Non-governmental organizations, incubators, or private sector actors actively run training, mentorship, or acceleration programs for social innovation.

Examples:

Coordinating Bodies

A centralized body responsible for coordinating social innovation efforts across sectors does not exist in Colombia.

Details:

https://www.unidadsolidaria.gov.co/la-entidad/quienes-somos

Ecosystem Communication
The level of communication and coordination among key actors in Colombia’s social innovation ecosystem is currently Extensive:“ strong collaboration with regular communication and joint initiatives.
Support Mechanisms for Policy and Finance
Financing Mechanisms

Social innovation in Colombia is financed through a variety of mechanisms including:
International funding (e.g., EU/bilateral/multilateral funds),Public subsidy and grants,Crowdfunding and community financing

Impact
International Collaborations

Colombia is involved in international collaborations on social innovation through the following initiatives:

https://www.unidadsolidaria.gov.co/Prensa/Noticias-La-Unidad-Solidaria-asume-la-coordinacion-de-la-RIFESS

Tech for Good Innovations
Impact Measurement Frameworks

Colombia has a formal framework or methodology for measuring social innovation impact.

Further details: https://www.unidadsolidaria.gov.co/node/6998

Economic Contribution of Social Innovation
Policy Momentum

Momentum for social innovation as a public policy issue in Colombia is currently rated as:
Significant Momentum: Social innovation is actively supported through policies, funding, or initiatives, with clear government engagement and implementation.

Barriers to Growth

The following barriers are currently hindering the growth of social innovation in Colombia:

  • Lack of sustainable funding model,
  • Regulatory and legal barriers,
  • Difficulty in measuring and demonstrating impact
Collaborative Ideas
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