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Article
Peer-Review Record

Proposal for Sustainability-Oriented Innovation Management Model (MGI) for Agro-Industrial Leather Chain

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8981; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208981
by Luis Horacio Botero Montoya 1,*, Nolberto Gutiérrez 2, Adriana Zuluaga 3, Luis Fernando Gutiérrez 4, José Orlando Gómez 5, Gina Lía Orozco 6 and Jhon Wilder Zartha 6
Reviewer 1: Anonymous
Reviewer 2: Anonymous
Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8981; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208981
Submission received: 21 August 2024 / Revised: 13 September 2024 / Accepted: 2 October 2024 / Published: 17 October 2024

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

A research has established an innovation management model. But I have a few suggestions for this study: 1. Please highlight the relevance to sustainability as much as possible. This article focuses more on the innovation aspect. Is the scale of the study defined by oneself? That requires pre testing and detailed reliability and validity analysis. The research is not rigorous enough. The variables or constructs proposed by the research institute have been demonstrated in most studies. This article is more like a merger of many studies. I hope to see the author's innovation. The industry defined by the research institute is too limited, but there is no content related to the characteristics of the industry in the innovative management model. In other words, this model seems to be the same in other industry studies. The uniqueness of the research is not prominent.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

N/A

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your comments and observations, we know that only in this way can we generate a paper
with the appropriate quality, we try to make adjustments and additions taking into account your
suggestions, then we send our responses as well as the paper with all the reviewers' adjustments
and the editor.
  1. Highlight the relevance to sustainability as much as possible. This article focuses more on the innovation aspect.

A/: New searches were carried out related to the correlation between sustainability and innovation management models for the leather sector. It was confirmed that there are no studies on this correlation, applied to the Colombian case.

 

To respond to reviewers 1 and 2 on this correlation, the following paragraphs were added to the article:

Introduction

The leather sector in Colombia has historically been a key industry for the country's economic development, generating employment and contributing significantly to the trade balance. However, in recent decades, this sector has faced increasing challenges related to environmental and social sustainability, which threaten its long-term viability. In this context, the implementation of an innovation management model is emerging as an essential strategy to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector. Therefore, it is necessary for innovation to become the pillar of sustainability, which not only implies the adoption of new technologies to improve production efficiency, but also the development of more sustainable processes. In particular, the implementation of clean technologies and the use of alternative materials that reduce environmental impact are essential to mitigate the negative effects on local ecosystems, which have been affected by water and soil pollution due to toxic waste from tanneries. Furthermore, innovation in product design can enable the creation of added value from recycled or biodegradable materials, aligning with global trends towards a circular economy [1].

 

Discussion

 

[70], in his research on the company Curtiduría Tungurahua of Ecuador, points out that it is important to rationally use its resources and find new energy options that create adequate consumption mechanisms and allow the application of methods and instruments for its treatment, with the purpose of establishing business efficiency and environmental awareness. Its scope, however, is not in relation to innovation management models, but rather on the design of a quality management model for the energy system for a tannery.

For their part, [71] conducted a bibliographic review on the activity of the leather agro-industrial chain at the level of Colombia and in the international context, which revealed differentiating factors regarding the production processes carried out in the sector. The study determined that the impact generated by the activity is very high, especially in the basins neighboring the places where the industry is concentrated. In each country there are extensive regulations for the regulation of the activity; however, companies only partially comply with the legal conditions. They point out that in accordance with the quality production processes and within the framework of the Environmental Management System Standards carried out in the chain, competitiveness will be facilitated at national and international level, thus strengthening the agreements and strategic alliances that enable and increase the exports of the different products generated in the leather sector.

For his part, [72] conducted a study on innovation management model for the fashion sector with the aim of proposing an innovation management model in micro-enterprises of designer fashion, through a case study for its business sustainability in order to contribute to strengthening innovation in the sector. Identifying through the literature review and the case study of three micro-enterprises that belong to this very particular sector and that have generated innovation with limited resources, the factors and processes that have led to their business sustainability.

 

 

References

[70] Ruiz Morales, A. P. (Modelo de gestión de calidad para el sistema energético sostenible en curtiembres (Master's thesis, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador). 2023. 

[71] Martínez Buitrago, S. Y., & Romero Coca, J. A. Revisión del estado actual de la industria de las curtiembres en sus procesos y productos: un análisis de su competitividad. Revista Facultad de Ciencias Económicas: Investigación y Reflexión, 2018. 26(1), 113-124.

[72] De la Cruz Siado, M. Innovation management model for the business sustainability of fashion microenterprises author. 2022.

 

Conclusions

In Colombia, innovation management in the leather sector faces specific challenges, due to factors such as lack of access to capital, low investment in research and development (R&D), and limited adoption of advanced technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent a large part of the sector. According to a study by [80], less than 20% of SMEs in the leather sector report significant technological innovation activities. To reverse this trend, it is crucial to establish strategic alliances between the private sector, universities and the government, fostering the transfer of knowledge and the creation of innovation networks that promote sustainable growth.

In essence, the relevance of the selected MGI for the leather agro-industrial sector in Colombia lies in its potential to transform a traditionally resource-intensive industry that generates negative impacts into a more sustainable and competitive one. It is essential that the actors involved, both public and private, work together to overcome existing barriers and foster a culture of innovation oriented towards sustainability.

The 7 sustainability variables obtained in the alignment of the Delphi 2035 results with the innovation management model will allow the actors in the chain to generate new projects, innovation in products and processes, as well as the generation of open innovation challenges that will allow solvers/actors from other regions and countries to contribute solutions that integrate innovation and sustainability for the benefit of the sector. the 7 sustainability variables are directly related to the central variable of the business model, sustainable development, and must be aligned with the other variables related to the R&D&I process and the management of technology, knowledge and innovation.

  1. ¿Is the scale of the study defined by oneself? This requires prior testing and a detailed analysis of reliability and validity.

A/: Compared to the Likert scale, this can be applied from zero to four; from one to four; from one to seven or from one to nine, as referenced by several authors (search for Likert scale). In the last 20 years, prospective studies, through the Delphi method, are scarce. The works of Zartha and others.

These are some references to the works mentioned:

Zartha Sossa, J. W., Castillo, H. S. V., Zarta, R. H., Pérez, A. L. F., Alzate, B. A., Mendoza, G. L. O., ... & Sarta, J. F. M. (2015). Aplication of Delphi Method in a foresigth study on biodegradable packaging up to 2032. Revista ESPACIOS| Vol. 36 (Nº 15) Año 2015.

 

Meza-Sepulveda, D. C., Quintero-Saavedra, J. I., Zartha-Sossa, J. W., & Hernández-Zarta, R. (2020). Prospective study of the cocoa sector to the year 2032 as a basis for university training programs in the agro-industrial sector. Application of the Delphi method. Technological Information, 31(3), 219-230.

 

Grass Ramírez, J. F., Muñoz, R. C., & Zartha Sossa, J. W. (2023). Innovations and trends in the coconut agroindustry supply chain: a technological surveillance and foresight analysis. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems7, 1048450.

 

Piedrahita, J. C. P., Zarta, R. H., Mesa, A. F. R., & Sossa, J. W. Z. (2016). Estudio de Prospectiva: Aplicación del método Delphi en Cafés Especiales en Colombia al 2025. Revista ESPACIOS| Vol. 37 (Nº 14) Año 2016.

 

In this research, we have used a Likert scale from one to four because these are ordinal variables. Regarding the questions in survey 2, the relevance and congruence index was used; relevance from zero to five and congruence between minus one, zero and plus one; this helps to validate the selected questions.

In order to expand on the request, we have incorporated the following paragraph into the article on What is the relevance and congruence index?, citing Gil and Pascual.

Materials and Methods

This study used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) protocol as a methodological framework, applying its standardized steps to conduct a systematic literature review, such as defining research questions, inclusion criteria, information sources, search strategies employed, selection process, and evaluation of the quality of the included studies [53-54]. Below is the PRISMA flow diagram as shown in Figure 2.

 

The congruence and relevance index was used. For the first case, each actor assesses whether the content of each item included in the questionnaire reflects the specified objectives, with “1” being if the content is clearly specified, “-1” if he believes that it does not measure it and “0” if there are doubts about whether it measures it or not. In this way, a table is created with the experts and the assessments that they make of each of the items in the questionnaire and an index is calculated for each item from a mathematical formula. Questions with a Likert-type response format of five (5) points are also used to assess the representativeness of the items, where the task is to evaluate the relevance of each item to measure the proposed objective; from “not at all relevant” to “totally relevant”. With the congruence and relevance indexes, the evaluations are being restricted to the proposed dimensions and, therefore, influencing the perceptions about what the item measures [55]

References

[53]. Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D.G. & Prisma, G. Reference items for systematic publication and meta-analysis: the PRISMA Declaration. Spanish Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 2014. 18 (3), 172-181.

[54]. Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Alonso-Fernández, S. PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for the publication of systematic reviews. Revista española de cardiología, 2021. 74(9), 790-799.

[55]. Gil, B., & Pascual-Ezama, D. La metodología Delphi como técnica de estudio de la validez de contenido. Anales de Psicología/Annals of Psychology, 2012. 28(3), 1011-1020.

 

  1. The research is not rigorous enough. The variables or constructs proposed by the research institute have been demonstrated in most studies. This article is rather a fusion of many studies. I look forward to seeing the author's innovation.

A/: The MGI proposal was based on previous reviews of literature reviews. The methodology had already been applied in several agro-industrial sectors and, specifically, a book on innovation models in agribusiness was published with two chapters that correspond to two master's theses in innovation in agribusiness from the UPB. This is the reference:

Zartha Sossa, J. W., Orozco Mendoza, G. L., Álvarez Ríos, V. T., Palacio Piedrahíta, J. C., Muñoz Castaño, Y., & Cano Díaz, V. E. (2019). Innovation management models in agribusiness.

The previous background on Innovation Process Models, MGI and identification and prioritization of variables, as well as the application of relevance and congruence indexes for diagnostic questions on innovation models were extracted from a doctoral thesis in Administration that received Magna Cum Lauden distinction (Zartha thesis).

This same methodology proposed in this article is being applied within the framework of a project of the General System of Royalties, “Improving Science, Technology and Innovation capabilities in the agro-industrial chains of bananas, cold climate fruits, specialty coffees, dairy products, crisps and leather, through technological foresight, convergent technologies and innovation models in Quindío”. In addition, the methodology has allowed the generation of extension and transfer services to companies, such as Ingredients and Functional Products S.A.S -IPF-, which hired the researchers of the study to apply the methodology there.

The originality of our research is focused on the following aspects, among others:

  1. Aligning scientific surveillance for the identification of variables on process models and MGI
  2. Using boolean operators for several search equations in Scopus with an extensive in-depth reading of the documents
  3. Elaboration of three instruments, always counting on the participation of stakeholders of the chain within the chosen region in Colombia (Quindío); it always had validation and participation of stakeholders of that agro-industrial sector.
  4. Conducting face-to-face workshops with the support of the Quindío Chamber of Commerce, where stakeholders of the chain, object of study, always participated
  5. The final conceptual model chosen is just an input or stage within a large Minciencias project in Colombia, which is correlated with the Open Innovation strategy; innovation challenges, prospective study to 2035, brand strategy and a web portal for chain actors.
  6. The industry defined by the research institute is too narrow, but there is no content related to industry characteristics in the innovation management model. In other words, this model seems to be the same in other industry studies. The uniqueness of the research is not prominent.

A/: No previous innovation models were found in the sector; the sector There are no previous innovation models and return to the Discussion.

In order to broaden the impact, originality and contributions of this article, new paragraphs have been added to the Discussion and Conclusions. See response to reviewer 1 and 2

Best regards,

 

 

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article employs a structured methodology, including a literature review, expert surveys, and variable prioritisation, to identify key factors essential for innovation management in the leather sector. While it offers valuable insights and practical recommendations, several improvements could enhance its impact.

 

General

·        The article provides a lot of information, especially when it comes to variables, but it doesn't prioritize or focus on the most important ones. As a result, the content can feel overwhelming and hard to follow.

·        The article is overly long, with repetitive content and unnecessary details that weaken its overall focus.

·        Sections like the Introduction, Theoretical Framework, and Results could be streamlined by cutting redundant points and trimming excessive background information.

·        Although the article focuses on innovation management in the leather sector, it doesn’t do enough to connect the research findings to practical, real-world applications. The link between theory and practice needs to be strengthened.

·        The structure is somewhat fragmented, with a lack of smooth transitions between sections, which makes the article feel disjointed.

Introduction

  • The introduction emphasizes the positive aspects of the leather sector (growth, labor intensity, and export potential) but fails to discuss potential challenges, making it hard to gauge the industry’s true economic significance.
  • Figure 1 lacks essential details (axis labels, units, title), making the data difficult to interpret.
  • The transition between topics like productive chains and legal frameworks is unclear, leading to a fragmented narrative.
  • The relevance of Law 811 to the leather sector is insufficiently explained.

Theoretical Framework

  • The section lacks specific exploration of how innovation and sustainability models apply to the leather industry. Tailored insights, supported by examples, would better connect theory to practice.
  • There is unnecessary repetition of definitions like innovation and open innovation across subsections.
  • References are not smoothly integrated, making the narrative feel disjointed.

Materials and Methods

  • The rationale behind using methods like the PRISMA protocol or specific databases (Scopus, Google Scholar) is not clearly explained.
  • The development and validation of survey questions are not detailed enough to support the study’s credibility.
  • Table 1 should be revised to clearly link selected variables with their corresponding references.
  • The section from lines 351-376 is unnecessary and can be removed for brevity.

Results

  • The results section lacks structure and is hard to follow due to unclear figures and tables. Key findings are presented without proper interpretation or explanation of their significance. The section needs clearer structure, with subsections or headings for easier navigation.
  • Figures 4, 5, and 6 are overly complex and unclear, requiring simplification for better interpretation.
  • The data is presented without in-depth analysis or discussion of implications, limiting the impact. Results should be linked to sustainability and innovation goals in the leather sector.
  • There’s no external validation or comparison with similar studies, limiting the broader applicability of the findings.
  • The large number of variables is overwhelming and could be condensed to prioritize the most critical ones.

Discussion

  • The discussion section repeats much of the content already covered in the results, rather than providing critical analysis or further insights.
  • It fails to critically assess strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of the study.
  • The lack of connection to existing literature weakens the context of the findings.
  • The discussion should address practical implications for the leather industry, such as how the model can be applied in real-world settings.

Conclusion

  • The conclusion does not offer practical recommendations for stakeholders or discuss the potential impact of the proposed model on the leather sector.
  • It repeats points from earlier sections without providing new insights.
Comments on the Quality of English Language

/

Author Response

Dear reviewer, Thank you for your observations and suggestions, the authors are sure that only in this way can we
generate a paper with the appropriate quality, we have made adjustments and additions taking into
account your recommendations, below we send our responses as well as the paper with all the
adjustments of the reviewers and the editor.

General

  • The article provides a lot of information, especially regarding variables, but does not prioritize or focus on the most important ones, so the content can be overwhelming and difficult to follow.

 

A/: Several interventions are made to the article, in order to respond to this observation.

 

  • The article is too long, with repetitive content and unnecessary details that weaken its general approach.

 

A/: Several adjustments were made to the text and, in particular, several sections were reduced.

 

  • Sections such as Introduction, Theoretical Framework and Results could be simplified by removing redundant points and removing excess Background Information.

 

A/: Several interventions were made to the Introduction and, among them, Figures 1 and 2 were removed; in the Theoretical Framework, several components were removed and the citation was reorganized and the Results were intervened with new paragraphs for analysis. What is new can be seen in the body of the text in yellow

 

  • Although the article focuses on innovation management in the leather sector, it does not do enough to link research results with practical applications in the real world. The link between theory and practice needs to be strengthened.

 

A/: This component was modified, with clarifying paragraphs in the response to reviewer 1 and in the body of the text (see yellow)

 

  • The structure is somewhat fragmented, with a lack of smooth transitions between sections, making the article appear disjointed.

 

A/: Requested adjustments are made. In particular, figures were removed and paragraphs were deleted and others were added, in order to respond to reviewers 1 and 2.

 

Introduction

  • The introduction highlights the positive aspects of the leather sector (growth, labour intensity and export potential) but does not analyse potential challenges, making it difficult to assess the true economic importance of the industry.

A/: A paragraph was added, where the challenges of the sector are pointed out (see yellow colour).

  • Figure 1 lacks essential details (axis labels, units, title), making the data difficult to interpret.

A/. Figures 1 and 2 were removed from the text.

  • The transition between topics such as production chains and legal frameworks is not clear, which generates a fragmented narrative.

A/: Some lines were added to the part of production chains, as follows: (…) and production chains and, in particular, with that of the leather sector.

  • The relevance of Law 811 for the leather sector is not sufficiently explained.

A/: The intervention is carried out and the following is added to the Introduction (see yellow color in the text):

Law 811 of 2003 in Colombia is known as the "Leather, Footwear and Leather Goods Law". This law aims to promote and strengthen the development of the leather, footwear and leather goods sector in the country. Some relevant aspects of this law include tax incentives for companies in the sector, such as exemption from income taxes for a certain period; promotion of competitiveness, with measures to improve the competitiveness of companies in the sector such as support for the acquisition of technology and machinery; training and capacity building in techniques for workers in the sector, in order to improve quality and productivity and promotion and marketing of producers in the sector at national and international level. In summary, Law 811 is crucial for the leather sector in Colombia by providing a legal framework that encourages development, competitiveness and innovation in this industry.

Theoretical framework

  • This section does not analyze in detail how innovation and sustainability models are applied to the leather industry. A specific perspective, supported by examples, would allow a better connection between theory and practice.

A/: Regarding examples of the application of innovation and sustainability management models in the leather industry in Colombia, there is not enough evidence, given that this sector, like the fashion sector in which it is inserted, is only recently incorporating aspects related to the correlation between innovation and sustainability management models. The empirical evidence, except for the existence of some statements by companies on their websites or in some press releases and thesis writing exercises hosted in university repositories, the topic is not sufficiently evident to indicate practical examples. Even, and evidence is required, in the searches for information in databases, several works were found, mostly corresponding to doctoral theses, which make a certain correlation between innovation and sustainability models. If required, we can send the table as an annex.

However, two paragraphs on the request are incorporated into the theoretical framework (see yellow in the body of the text):

As an example, and after searching Google Scholar, only one article was found, corresponding to a research by [51], through which the authors made an analysis of the operational risks present in the leather, footwear and leather goods industry in Bogotá-Colombia. As a final result, empirical evidence was obtained of the situation that small companies are going through in their real context and the need and importance of the articulation of efforts between small producers and institutional support as a strategy to face internal and external risks to improve the competitive position, productivity and use of resources is highlighted.

[51] points out that the leather and leather goods industry in Colombia is experiencing a notable transformation, driven by technological innovation and sustainability. This sector, vital to the country's economy, continues to evolve and adapt to the new demands of the global market. From the use of sustainable materials to the incorporation of advanced technologies, Colombian companies are at the forefront of these trends, positioning themselves as leaders in the region. In terms of innovation processes, the adoption of new technologies is a key trend that is redefining the leather and leather goods industry in Colombia. Companies are investing in technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and 3D printing to improve their production and design processes. These innovations not only increase efficiency, but also allow companies to offer personalized and high-quality products.

Regarding sustainability, as pointed out by [52], this has become an essential component in the leather and leather goods industry. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy, which has led companies to adopt more sustainable practices. From the use of recycled leather to the implementation of green production processes, the industry is making significant efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

References

  1. Ducón Salas, J. C., Torres, A. C., & Muñoz, J. H. (Contributions to the strengthening of the local productive agglomeration as a strategy for managing operational risk in the leather, footwear and leather goods industry in Bogotá. Pensamiento & Gestión, 2018. (44), 74-101.
  2. Hurtado, F. Trends in the leather and leather goods industry in Colombia: innovation and sustainability. Retrieved on August 12, 2024 from https://cafeconlagerencia.com/tendencias-en-la-industria-del-cuero-y-la-marroquineria-en-colombia-innovacion-y-sostenibilidad.
  • There is an unnecessary repetition of definitions such as innovation and open innovation in several subsections.

R/: The recommendation is accepted and adjustments are made to the theoretical framework

  • The references are not integrated fluidly, which makes the narrative seem disjointed.

A/: The recommendation is accepted and the theoretical framework is intervened.

Materials and methods

  • The rationale behind the use of methods such as the PRISMA protocol or specific databases (Scopus, Google Scholar) is not clearly explained.
  • The development and validation of the survey questions are not detailed enough to support the credibility of the study.
  • Table 1 should be revised to clearly link the selected variables with their corresponding references.
  • The section from lines 351 to 376 is unnecessary and can be deleted for brevity.

A/: the methodology was modified and new paragraphs were added (see yellow interventions in the body of the text); Table 1 was deleted and the lines 351 to 376 were removed

Results

  • The results section lacks structure and is difficult to follow due to unclear figures and tables. Key findings are presented without proper interpretation or explanation of their significance. The section needs a clearer structure, with subsections or headings to facilitate navigation.
  • Figures 4, 5 and 6 are too complex and unclear, and need to be simplified for better interpretation.
  • Data is presented without in-depth analysis or discussion of implications, limiting impact. Results should be linked to sustainability and innovation goals in the leather sector.
  • There is no external validation or comparison with similar studies, limiting the broader applicability of the findings.
  • The sheer number of variables is overwhelming and could be condensed to prioritise the most critical ones.
  • A/: Suggestions were welcomed and changes were made to Results. For example, Figures 4 and 5 were removed and the quality and presentation of Figure 6 was improved, now Figure 3.

 

Discussion

  • The discussion section repeats much of the content already covered in the results, rather than providing critical analysis or additional information.
  • It fails to critically assess the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of the study.
  • The lack of connection to existing literature weakens the context of the findings.
  • The discussion should address practical implications for the leather industry, such as how the model can be applied in real-world situations.

A/. The discussion is reviewed and, in order to respond to each of the observations, several sections are intervened, including a response to reviewer 1.

In order to increase the relevance of this paper with sustainability variables, a new discussion axis is attached that relates the alignment of priority topics and technologies obtained through the prospective study to 2035 in the same leather chain, this highlights the importance of sustainability variables and their relationship with the innovation management model chosen by the actors in the chain, a new conclusion on this aspect is also attached at the end.

5.4 Axis 4.

Alignment of Delphi 2035 sustainability variables of the leather sector with the innovation management model.

Within the framework of the project in which the innovation management model was developed, the Delphi method [73-75] was applied at the same time to 2035 in order to identify and prioritize topics and technologies that could become the focus of new projects, open innovation challenge initiatives, financing and public policies in the leather sector. This Delphi study in two rounds had the participation of 24 experts allowing to identify 44 topics, priority technologies (76) including 20 sustainability variables.

As a final complement, a new survey was generated that allowed the chain's stakeholders to align the 44 topics and priority technologies with the innovation management model. The survey was sent to the same 24 stakeholders participating in the project, obtaining 6 valid responses.

 

 

Figure 6. Prospective alignment innovation management model leather chain. Source: Own elaboration (2024).

 

The results obtained identified 16 themes, technologies with the highest degree of alignment, among which 7 specific sustainability variables stand out, such as: water recycling, energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, sustainability certifications, wastewater treatment, sludge treatment as well as chemical removal (water treatment).

This constitutes a contribution to the continuity and application of the innovation management model since the previous studies analyzed in the review [77] present variables of the innovation process and/or innovation management variables but without specific variables in sustainability.

The same situation is presented in the latest prospective studies using the Delphi method of analyzed agro-industrial sectors [75], [78-79] that can present results on circular economy and/or sustainability variables but none of them have been aligned with innovation management models.

 

Conclusion

  • The conclusion does not offer practical recommendations for stakeholders or analyse the potential impact of the proposed model on the leather sector.
  • It repeats points from previous sections without providing any new information.

R/: New paragraphs were added to the conclusions, in order to respond to reviewers 1 and 2. In particular, two paragraphs were added as follows:

In Colombia, innovation management in the leather sector faces specific challenges, due to factors such as lack of access to capital, low investment in research and development (R&D), and limited adoption of advanced technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent a large part of the sector. To reverse this trend, it is crucial to establish strategic alliances between the private sector, universities and the government, fostering the transfer of knowledge and the creation of innovation networks that promote sustainable growth. In essence, the relevance of the selected MGI for the leather agro-industrial sector in Colombia lies in its potential to transform a traditionally resource-intensive industry that generates negative impacts into a more sustainable and competitive one. It is essential that the actors involved, both public and private, work together to overcome existing barriers and foster a culture of innovation oriented towards sustainability.

 

The 7 sustainability variables obtained in the alignment of the Delphi 2035 results with the innovation management model will allow the actors in the chain to generate new projects, innovation in products and processes, as well as the generation of open innovation challenges that will allow solvers/actors from other regions and countries to contribute solutions that integrate innovation and sustainability for the benefit of the sector. the 7 sustainability variables are directly related to the central variable of the business model, sustainable development, and must be aligned with the other variables related to the R&D&I process and the management of technology, knowledge and innovation

Best regards,

 

 

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

good revise,  i accept it

Comments on the Quality of English Language

N/A

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