Science tourism supported by knowledge management: analysis using the reference ideal method (RIM) for its implementation in research centers

Authors

  • Manuel Sierra Rodríguez Universidad Distrital Fransisco José de Caldas
  • Lina María Medina Estrada Universidad Distrital Fransisco José de Caldas
  • Víctor Hugo Medina García Universidad Distrital Fransisco José de Caldas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15665/z843sz93

Keywords:

Scientific tourism, knowledge management, Research Centers, multicriteria analysis, RIM method

Abstract

Scientific tourism (ST) is presented as an innovative strategy to promote research and diversify the economy in Colombia. However, it is difficult for research centers to offer ST as a permanent service, given that there are gaps in infrastructure, knowledge management, and innovation. This article evaluates these capacities using a multi-criteria approach and proposes actions for institutional improvement. The analysis was performed using the Reference Ideal Method (RIM) and the OWA method, which facilitates the analysis of multiple criteria with respect to an ideal reference. The data were obtained from a survey of 20 research centers, in which 24 criteria were evaluated. The data were processed using geometric mean, normalization, and aggregation with the IRM, determining an overall relative index of 0.4092, which shows a considerable difference from the ideal (1). The criteria that lagged behind the most are highlighted. The results confirm that it is necessary to strengthen research centers to move toward sustainable scientific tourism. The use of RIM-OWA provides a methodological framework that can be replicated in other organizations to identify gaps for strategic decision-making. It is recommended to propose public policies and investigate future lines of research in ST.

Author Biographies

  • Lina María Medina Estrada, Universidad Distrital Fransisco José de Caldas

    Bachelor's degree in Social Communication and Journalism from the Pontifical Xavierian University: Bogotá, Master's degree in Education and Intercultural Communication, Ethno-education and Cultural Diversity, Francisco José de Caldas District University: Bogotá, Master's degree in Music (Faculty of Arts), Sergio Arboleda University: Bogotá. He currently teaches in the Social Communication Program (Faculty of Education Sciences) at the Francisco José de Caldas District University in Bogotá.

     

  • Víctor Hugo Medina García, Universidad Distrital Fransisco José de Caldas

    He holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from the Pontifical University of Salamanca.. He is currently a full-time professor at the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas in Bogotá, Colombia, where he also directed the PhD program in Engineering, the Master's program in Information and Communications Sciences with a specialization in Software Engineering, the Specialization in Telecommunications, and the Office of Interinstitutional Relations. He is also a principal investigator at the GICOGE Group (Research Group on Information, Communications, and Knowledge Management Technologies) in Bogotá, Colombia.

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Published

2026-06-30

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2026): Julio - Diciembre

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Manuel Sierra Rodríguez, Lina María Medina Estrada, Víctor Hugo Medina García

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How to Cite

Science tourism supported by knowledge management: analysis using the reference ideal method (RIM) for its implementation in research centers. (2026). Journal Prospectiva, 24(2). https://doi.org/10.15665/z843sz93