The Colombian scientific diaspora: creating bridges of knowledge
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Fecha
2025
Autores
Piñeros Ayala, Rafael
Echeverría-King, Luisa F.
Pantovic, Branislav
Bonilla, Kleinsy
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Universidad Simón Bolívar
Resumen
This study analyzes the evolving role of the scientific diaspora in promoting national development within the specific context of
Colombia. International mobility of highly skilled individuals has shifted from being viewed solely as “brain drain” to a potential source of
“brain circulation” and capacity building. For Colombia, a country historically characterized by significant emigration, leveraging its skilled
diaspora is increasingly recognized as an asset for enhancing its science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem and international
competitiveness.
Using a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory methodology, this research employs a single-case study of Colombia, analyzing
primary sources such as laws, strategic public policy documents, and semi-structured interviews. The study also incorporates statistical
insights from the Growth Lab to characterize the demographic profile and commitment levels of the diaspora.
The findings indicate that while the Colombian government has acknowledged the strategic importance of the scientific diaspora
and scientific diplomacy in its legal and policy frameworks, practical implementation remains inconsistent. Efforts are often poorly
coordinated, lack continuity, and are hampered by institutional tensions between the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation
(MinCiencia) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE).
The paper concludes that achieving a robust and reciprocal relationship between the state and its scientific diaspora requires a clear,
continuous, and integrated scientific diplomacy strategy. This strategy must move beyond a focus on remittances to actively cultivate
trust, promote diaspora associations, and establish permanent institutional mechanisms for their engagement in technical capacity
building and foreign policy alignment.
