Desarrollo de municipios agrícolas a través de capacidades dinámicas de innovación en clústeres

Franklin Gerald Rios Ramos; Carmen De Pablos Heredero; Antón García

doi:10.31637/epsir-2026-1912

Authors

Franklin Gerald Rios Ramos Universidad Rey Juan Carlos https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1188-7105
Carmen De Pablos Heredero Universidad Rey Juan Carlos https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0457-3730
Antón García University of Córdoba https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1977-7752

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-1912

Keywords:

teleworking, Rural development, agricultural clusters, SMEs, dynamic capabilities, innovation, quadruple helix, digitalization

Abstract

Introduction: This study proposes a theoretical model to promote the development of agricultural municipalities in the face of growing rural depopulation in Spain. The research is based on the formation of clusters of SMEs and the self-employed, along with the development of dynamic innovation capabilities based on the differential characteristics of the municipality to enhance it and attract new population. Methodology: A review of the literature on international good practices in rural development and agricultural clusters was carried out, identifying theoretical frameworks and success cases. Results: The model focuses on the creation of clusters specialized in agricultural products and valuable services in sectors such as gastronomy, tourism and industry. Furthermore, the findings confirm that collaboration under the quadruple helix model (companies, municipalities, universities and the community) drives sustainable development, where digitalization and teleworking are opportunities for rural development. Discussion: The importance of policies that encourage the migration of professionals to rural areas, investment in basic services and that improve digital connectivity and strengthen university participation in cluster activities is highlighted. Conclusions: The proposed model is an alternative strategy to revitalize rural municipalities, diversify their economy and guarantee their long-term sustainability.

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Author Biographies

Franklin Gerald Rios Ramos, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

He is a PhD candidate at the Rey Juan Carlos University, holds an MBA from the Carlos III University of Madrid, and holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. He is a strategy and transformation consultant and the author of the book "Methodologies for Implementing Strategy: Organizational Design of the Company." He has been an international consultant for the Global Fund and an associate coach for the Center for Creative Leadership - CCL (USA).

Carmen De Pablos Heredero, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

She holds a PhD in Economics and Business Administration from the Complutense University of Madrid and is a professor of Business Organization at the Rey Juan Carlos University, where she coordinates the Information Systems Department. She directs the Master's in Business Organization and the Master's in SAP Logistics Project Management. She has been a visiting professor at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) and Norwich University (USA). As a consultant, she has worked in Organization and Strategy and holds a Master's in Insurance Management from ICEA. She leads the Openinnova research group, specializing in open innovation. She is a research project manager, doctoral thesis supervisor, and editor of the ESIC Market magazine.

Antón García, University of Córdoba

He is a Full Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Córdoba (Spain). He has been an Associate Professor and consultant in the field of Agricultural Economics and Alternative Production since 1998. From 2005 to 2015, he was Director of the Master's Program in Animal Science. He was a Prometheus Senior Professor in Ecuador in 2015. He is currently the coordinator of an international research network on mixed systems that includes several Latin American universities.

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