Efectividad del esquema de extensionistas tecnológicos: estudio base para el Pilar 2 del programa Fábricas de Productividad

Abstract

The Fábricas de Productividad program is one of the central actions of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and of Colombia Productiva to increase productivity in the manufacturing, services and agribusiness sectors. The Program co-finances the provision of specialized consultancy services to increase productivity for small, medium and large companies, with a scheme in which managers choose an "extension agent" from a previously qualified group of consultants. This study evaluates the performance of the extension agents who provided their services in the first version of the Program, and analyzes the sufficiency and relevance of this group of qualified consultants. In general terms, the evaluation shows outstanding results, with high design standards and a perception of high effectiveness. Compared to international references, Fábricas de Productividad has managed to consolidate a solid base in a few years of operation, with a wide network of experts, and a high capacity to reach companies compared to countries with similar programs. In the coming years, the scaling-up of the Program will face the challenge of expanding its network of extension agents, while at the same time implementing actions to increase the quality of the services provided.