Screening of Public Policies in the Coffee Industry in Colombia: An Analysis from the Perspective of Systemic Competitiveness

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify the public policies influencing the coffee industry in Colombia within the framework of the theory of systemic competitiveness, addressing the macro, micro, meso, and meta levels. Additionally, it explores the gaps and scope of these policies, with a particular focus on the region of Huila.
Design/Methodology: A descriptive analysis was conducted on reports and policies from institutions involved in the development and competitiveness of Colombia’s coffee industry, both nationally and specifically within Huila. Furthermore, a reflective analysis was performed based on the categorization of the data across the four levels of the systemic competitiveness model.
Findings: This study consolidated information reported by institutions regarding economic trends and guidelines at the national and regional levels, providing an overview of the actors, strategies, and policies implemented at each level of systemic competitiveness. This approach also facilitated the identification of the focus areas of public policies and highlighted opportunities for improvement in competitiveness factors specific to Huila.
Conclusions: Systemic competitiveness in the coffee industry is largely driven by the meso level, which fosters competitive advantages and shapes national development. However, policies must also address the socio-cultural realities of small-scale producers (meta level). Specific insights into the values, behaviors, and strategies of coffee-producing families—who form the primary unit of the production chain—are essential to formulate aligned and effective policies across the entire production chain.
Originality: This study offers an in-depth analysis of strategies within Colombia’s coffee industry from the multidimensional perspective of the systemic competitiveness model, contributing to a clearer understanding of Huila’s local dynamics and suggesting new directions for localized analysis.