The twin transition in agrifood clusters: the case of Sabana Centro (Colombia)

The thesis explores the concept of twin transition, i.e., the simultaneous integration of digitalization and sustainability, with the aim of understanding how the two dimensions complement and reinforce each other in the context of industrial districts and clusters. Although European literature is increasing its attention on the topic, research in developing countries is still limited. Therefore, this work aims to help bridge this gap by analyzing the case of the Sabana Centro agri-food cluster, located in the metropolitan area of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, a productive territory characterized by a growing focus on sustainability challenges and first traces of digital transition. Through a systematic review of the literature, analysis of empirical studies and secondary data from local businesses and private and public institutions, the thesis investigates how companies and local actors are adopting digital technologies and sustainable practices, and to what extent these two dimensions are integrated into their operational strategies. The analysis highlights how the twin transition in Sabana Centro is in an early but dynamic phase, in which digital adoption is limited but gradually increasing, sustainability initiatives are fragmented, and there are local actors with the potential to push the territory towards a systemic transition process.