Intelligence and Innovation, Strategy and Public Policy

Bogotá Mayor’s Office, Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, Asocapitales & ICLEI – Participatory Governance for the Internationalization of the Bogotá Region (2021–2022)

Involved organizations

Bogotá Mayor’s Office · Bogotá Chamber of Commerce · ICLEI South America · Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales) · Barcelona City Council

Year

2021

City, country

Colombia, Colombia

Lines of work

Analysis and intelligence, Territorial strategy and planning

About the project

Design and methodological support for the development of Bogotá’s Internationalization Strategy and its governance framework. The project facilitated a participatory process through the Dialogues for Internationalization methodology, bringing together public institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to co-create a shared, inclusive, and sustainable vision for the city’s international engagement.

Challenge

The Bogotá Region faces the challenge of building a strategic and sustainable approach to international engagement in a context characterized by a wide range of initiatives and stakeholders, but limited coordination and collaboration. This fragmentation hinders the development of a shared vision for the region and the alignment of efforts around common priorities, particularly in the context of post-COVID-19 recovery. At the same time, Bogotá needs to strengthen its internationalization governance framework by moving from flexible, sector-specific, and fragmented arrangements towards a more institutionalized model capable of ensuring greater continuity, effectiveness, and long-term impact on the global stage.

Approach

The project followed a comprehensive process that included document review and analysis; the facilitation of the Dialogues for Internationalization (bringing together 148 participants); the establishment of a Steering Group to guide the process; and a knowledge exchange with the Barcelona City Council. The process was complemented by the systematization and analysis of the findings, culminating in the preparation of a series of strategic documents.

Impact

The project strengthened the Bogotá Region’s capacity to pursue a more strategic, coordinated, and sustainable approach to international engagement, enhancing its global positioning in the context of post-COVID-19 recovery. It contributed to the development of the Bogotá Global Strategic Framework, providing the city with a clear roadmap for internationalization built around six strategic priorities that align efforts, capitalize on existing strengths, and unlock new opportunities. The project also laid the foundations for a stronger governance model for international action, supporting the transition from flexible coordination arrangements to more institutionalized and stable structures. This has enhanced the coherence, sustainability, and effectiveness of the Bogotá Region’s international engagement.
Return

Cooperation and alliances

Solutions we offer

Networking and alliance building:

Engagement with networks, platforms, and strategic partners to advance shared agendas and strengthen territorial cooperation.

International cooperation and resources:

Identifying and managing cooperation, funding, and other support mechanisms to strengthen territorial initiatives.

Project design and implementation:

Formulation, management, and support of international projects and initiatives.

ATTRACTIVENESS AND PROJECTION

Solutions we offer

Territorial positioning:

Designing territorial positioning strategies and tools to strengthen the identity and projection of cities and regions.

Attractiveness and identity:

Building narratives, city branding, destination vision, and territorial promotion strategies.

Projecting opportunities:

Attracting investment, cooperation, tourism, culture, and talent.

Strategy and Public policies

Solutions we offer

Territorial strategy and planning:

Designing strategies and tools to strengthen territorial development and consolidate international engagement as public policy.

Public agendas and governance:

Participatory methodologies, policy labs, and collaborative processes for building public agendas.

Technical assistance:

Technical support for implementing territorial development and international engagement strategies.

KNOWLEDGE AND innovation

Solutions we offer

Knowledge and analysis:

Diagnostics, studies, applied research, and forward-looking analysis of international trends.

Training and capacity building:

Training programs, workshops, and tools to strengthen institutional and technical capacities.

Exchange and learning across territories:

Peer-to-peer learning spaces, experience-sharing, and collective knowledge building.