INNOVATION OPPORTUNITIES IN MARKET SQUARES

• Published in: Revista politécnica (Bogotá. En línea) Vol. 20; no. 40; pp. 139 - 153
• Main Authors: Cardona-Castaño, Juan Camilo, Castaño-Martínez, Camilo Antonio, Lizarazo-Hernández, Sonia Patricia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid 27-09-2024
• Subjects: environmental impact; informality; public space
• DOI: 10.33571/rpolitec.v20n40a9
• EISSN: 2256-5353
• ISSN: 1900-2351

The article examines market squares as connecting points between rural and urban areas, hosting diverse activities. Focused on Colombia and Mexico, the research employs qualitative methods, including case studies and direct observation, with analysis through Atlas.Ti. It highlights the positive impact of farmers' markets on strengthening the productive system and rural development, contributing to the urban food system, and creating opportunities for social innovation. Market management is based on a model of spontaneous relationships, emphasizing exchange and coexistence, especially in fresh and locally harvested products. Trade, centered on primary sector products, supports the transitioning peasant economy. The prevalence of informality, socially approved, is acknowledged. The SWOT analysis reveals weaknesses requiring innovative strategies, especially in environmental aspects such as organic waste management and noise pollution. These challenges require attention for future improvements.
La investigación analizó las oportunidades de innovación en los mercados. Para ello, se utilizó la observación etnográfica, el análisis DAFO, la revisión bibliográfica y la construcción de redes semánticas. Estos métodos revelaron que los mercados tienen oportunidades de innovación que no dependen exclusivamente de las instituciones, sino también de la comunidad debido a su alto valor sociocultural. Son espacios importantes para el desarrollo de la informalidad, tienen impactos ambientales significativos y son polos económicos que contribuyen a la sostenibilidad en Bogotá D.C. y Acapulco. Además, son cruciales para el abastecimiento de alimentos de estas ciudades. Finalmente, es fundamental integrar factores que contribuyan a las estrategias de innovación y mecanismos de acción institucional, junto con la participación ciudadana, para promover procesos de sostenibilidad y aprovechar su potencial de innovación social. The research analyzed the opportunities for innovation in marketplaces. For this, ethnographic observation, SWOT analysis, literature review, and semantic network construction were used. These methods revealed that marketplaces have innovation opportunities that do not depend exclusively on institutions but also on the community due to their high sociocultural value. They are important spaces for the development of informality, have significant environmental impacts, and are economic hubs contributing to sustainability in Bogotá D.C. and Acapulco. Additionally, they are crucial for the food supply of these cities. Finally, it is essential to integrate factors that contribute to innovation strategies and institutional action mechanisms, along with citizen participation, to promote sustainability processes and harness their potential for social innovation