Carlos Chacón
Director of the Institute for Science and Politics, Hernán Echavarría Olózaga
The value of a business in society is that someone chooses to serve others
Carlos Chacón explains that the true value of a business goes far beyond generating revenue or selling products. A business begins when someone decides to use their skills to serve others, solving real problems and creating value for society.
From this perspective, entrepreneurship is ultimately about service. The better a company understands people’s needs and responds to them, the greater the impact it can have on its community and society as a whole.
💥 SparkLab Skill in Action: Service orientation – Understand that the purpose of a business is to create value for people by placing their needs at the center of every decision.
Governments must respect the rules of the game
Carlos Chacón argues that business development depends on a stable environment with clear, predictable rules. Entrepreneurs are more willing to invest, innovate, and grow when they can rely on consistent conditions.
He also explains that excessive regulation can become a barrier to creating and expanding businesses. The challenge is to strike a balance between protecting the public interest and allowing entrepreneurship to thrive.
💥 SparkLab Skill in Action: Systems thinking – Understand how institutions, regulations, and public policy shape the environment in which businesses innovate, grow, and create value.
The problem lies with those who have made decisions in the country that regulate many aspects of life—and overregulate them
Carlos Chacón argues that overregulation is one of the main obstacles to entrepreneurship and business growth. In his view, when regulations become too numerous and overly complex, it becomes harder to start, invest in, and expand a business.
His message encourages reflection on the importance of creating an environment where rules support entrepreneurial initiative, enabling more people to innovate, create jobs, and contribute to economic development.
💥 SparkLab Skill in Action: Critical thinking – Analyze how public policy and regulatory environments can influence entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth.
In Colombia, private property rights are not respected
Carlos Chacón argues that private property rights are essential for economic development and entrepreneurship. In his view, when people and businesses lack confidence that their property and investments will be protected, the incentives to invest, innovate, and create jobs are weakened.
His reflection highlights the role that legal certainty and trust in institutions play in fostering a healthy environment for entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth.
💥 SparkLab Skill in Action: Systems thinking – Understand how institutions and legal certainty shape investment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Colombians and this country have great potential
Carlos Chacón closes with an optimistic message about Colombia’s future. He believes that Colombians have the talent, creativity, and ability to build businesses that drive economic growth and create opportunities.
Beyond the challenges, he encourages entrepreneurs to recognize the country’s potential and believe that, with the right conditions, that talent can be transformed into innovation, growth, and lasting impact for society.
💥 SparkLab Skill in Action: Growth mindset – Believe in the potential of people and communities to turn challenges into innovation, growth, and lasting impact.