Strengthening of business skills in gastronomy and fashion production chains in Colombia

Abstract

This article presents the results of a research project in which Gastronomy and Fashion companies that contribute to the economy grow in Colombia have participated, but hey also have deficiencies that came through social issues and low access to knowledge, and therefore in innovation for competitiveness, highlighting the nature of their business structure as they are mostly family businesses made up of natural persons with a poorly structured model in planning and management necessary for the transformation towards more favorable market scenarios, in addition to the dependence on a few partners business, and the economic contraction caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as some national protests in recent years by some social groups. In order to demonstrate opportunities for improvement and transform some of the difficulties into strengths, the project is part of a strategic alliance between the Cámara de Comercio de Bucaramanga and the Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander as a higher education institute, to promote the development of activities for entrepreneurs and strengthen their business skills in marketing, integrating the academy with the business sector from research and extension. This project has been developed in 3 phases: 1. Characterization of the business communities that voluntarily joined the project. 2. Strengthening of business skills with workshops aimed by detecting needs and formulation of strategic action plans mediated by innovation. 3. Follow-up in the implementation of proposed actions contributing to knowledge management. Entrepreneurs are enabled to renew improvements, making the development of brands sustainable through the practice of acquired knowledge.