Various aspects of policy debate and policy formulation in Colombia view' science, technology and innovation (STI) activities as a distinct domain of the economy. Other perspectives see a central feature of effective innovation systems, and hence also of STI-related policy, as involving STI activities that are deeply and pervasively embedded in all areas of the economy and society. An extension of this idea views the national system of science, technology and innovation as a collection of actors that is distinct from, and provides support to, sectors of the economy such as agriculture, manufacturing or energy.