Córdoba is a pioneer in innovation, hosting over 3,000 companies in the Knowledge Economy sector (EDC), supported by a robust team of researchers and more than 2,000 ongoing Innovation and Development (R&D) projects.
This dynamic network is strengthened by public and private funding, creating a synergy that enables sustainable technological growth across the region.
Source: Science, Technology, and Knowledge Economy Indicators, 2022
Source: Science, Technology, and Knowledge Economy Indicators, 2022
Córdoba ranks second in R&D investment in Argentina, behind Buenos Aires. The province boasts a strong tradition in science and technology, contributing to economic and social development through the combined efforts of universities, research centers, and businesses.
In 2021, 47.2% of Córdoba’s R&D investment came from the private sector, followed by public science and technology organizations (31.9%) and public universities (19.4%).
Strategic management of human resources catalyzes innovation and development. Córdoba has a large number of researchers dedicated to this project area, driving significant transformations in the region.
Source: Science, Technology, and Knowledge Economy Indicators, 2022
Source: Science, Technology, and Knowledge Economy Indicators, 2022
Source: Science, Technology, and Knowledge Economy Indicators, 2022
Source: Science, Technology, and Knowledge Economy Indicators, 2022
Source: Science, Technology, and Knowledge Economy Indicators, 2022
In terms of company size, there is a significant concentration in the micro and small segments. Looking at the territorial distribution, there is a notable concentration in the capital department, where companies represent 59% of the total in the province. The departments that follow are San Justo (8%) and Río Cuarto (6%).
As for the distribution by activity, 26% is dedicated to Software and IT and Digital Services, 18% to mechanical, electronic, digital, and other technology industries, and 17% to biological, chemical, and other technology industries.
According to Aisa and Parisi (2021), the province has a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem. Regarding geographical distribution, 54% of the ecosystem's institutions are located in the provincial interior, while the remaining 46% are based in the city of Córdoba.
40% of these institutions belong to the public sector, while the remaining 60% are private, mixed, or academic institutions. Some of the services offered by these institutions include:
In terms of their target audience, 60% work with general entrepreneurs, while the remaining 40% focus on specific entrepreneurial profiles, offering services in particular verticals or sectors. 38The survey highlights institutions that exclusively support technology entrepreneurs (41%), followed by those targeting women entrepreneurs (25%), and finally, those specializing in triple-impact ventures (22%).
Below is a list of some of the institutions that make up this ecosystem.
The provincial government promotes various initiatives to advance scientific and technological development in the region. These include support for research and innovation, promotion of scientific infrastructure development, collaboration among academic, governmental, and private sector institutions, the creation of strategic educational programs, and continuous professional training.
The provincial government promotes various initiatives to foster scientific and technological development in the region. These include support for research and innovation, promotion of scientific infrastructure development, collaboration among academic, governmental, and private sector institutions, the development of strategic educational programs, and ongoing professional training.
The Córdoba Innovate and Entrepreneur Agency is a mixed-economy organization whose partners include the provincial government and the private sector, along with the participation of local companies and commercial entities. Its Board of Directors is composed of representatives from these institutions, as well as members of the academic sector and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Agency implements co-investment programs that stimulate entrepreneurship, encourage innovation, and enable direct participation by accelerators, investment funds, and angel investor groups.
The province's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem was recognized as one of the most outstanding in Latin America in the 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) by Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
Córdoba’s ecosystem was the only one in the region to achieve the highest rating for early access to financing. With 165% growth, it stands out as the fastest-growing sector in Latin America over the past five years.
The province promotes innovation and technology through various organizations and policies designed to create a positive impact on territorial competitiveness:
Its mission is to promote innovation and productive transformation in regions and localities across Ibero-America, contributing to the necessary actions for energy-climate, technological-digital, and socio-demographic transitions.
Support research and development of innovative technologies and solutions through assistance to research institutions, companies, and local entrepreneurs.
Promote the establishment of innovation spaces, such as technology parks or startup incubators, fostering collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Build alliances with local and multinational companies to encourage investment in technology and knowledge transfer.
Provide access to financing and venture capital for innovative companies and entrepreneurs.
Encourage government entities to purchase innovative technological products and services from local companies, stimulating demand and supply.
Develop regulations and laws that support innovation and technology adoption, such as intellectual property protection and emerging technology regulation.
Ensure high-speed broadband connections in both rural and urban areas to foster digital technology adoption and participation in the digital economy.
Encourage the adoption of clean and sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, to boost sustainable competitiveness.
Investment in technology and innovation can draw highly skilled talent to the region, enhancing the workforce and competitiveness.
Support for innovation can drive the growth of local businesses and their expansion into national and international markets.
Promoting technology and innovation can help diversify the regional economy, reducing dependence on specific industries and increasing economic resilience.
Adopting advanced technologies can enhance business productivity and competitiveness in the marketplace.
A region with a technology- and innovation-friendly environment is more appealing to foreign investors.
Technology improves citizens' quality of life through digital services, better healthcare, and increased public service efficiency.
Invest in STEM education from an early age, fostering a skilled workforce and driving innovation.
In summary, investment in technology and innovation can drive territorial competitiveness by attracting talent, fostering economic growth, diversifying the economy, improving productivity, and enhancing quality of life. Thus, it is a critical strategy for sustainable regional development.
The Córdoba Cluster is an organization made up of leading companies and institutions in the technology and knowledge economy sectors based in the province. Through cooperation, coordination, and networking, the Cluster enhances the sector’s competitiveness, promoting the development of innovative solutions.
Businesses, investors, public and private organizations, as well as the broader community, can benefit from the networking, advanced solutions, and advisory services offered by Córdoba Cluster.
