00c - Glossary of Terms
Vigía Incubation Framework (VIF)
Version 1.0 - Vigía Incubation Framework
This glossary establishes a unified language for all institutions, incubators, investors, universities, and government agencies implementing the Vigía Incubation Framework (VIF). Definitions are concise, operational, and aligned with internationally recognized terminology.
A. Core Methodologies
MCF 2.1 (MicroCanvas Framework)
An evidence-based venture development methodology that standardizes problem analysis, customer insights, solution validation, and business model evaluation. Used across all incubator nodes.
IMM-P® (Innovation Maturity Model Program)
A capability and institutional maturity model assessing readiness, governance, and execution capacity across public and private organizations.
Vigía Futura
A national foresight engine that identifies emerging sectors, signals, and long-term opportunities, guiding strategic prioritization within VIF.
B. Governance Concepts
National Steering Council (NSC)
High-level governance body responsible for national strategy, cross-sector coordination, annual priorities, and oversight of the national incubator network.
Technical Operating Unit (TOU)
Central execution team responsible for operations, data, MEL, accreditation, reporting, and ecosystem coordination.
Investment Committee (IC)
Independent, mixed-sector body evaluating venture readiness, approving funding tranches, and ensuring risk-aligned investments.
C. Incubation & Program Concepts
Incubator Node
Any participating organization (public, private, academic, or international) accredited to run programs under VIF standards.
Evidence Package
A structured set of validated insights produced using MCF 2.1, used to evaluate startup decisions, risk, and investment readiness.
Maturity Assessment
An evaluation of an institution’s innovation capacity and governance using IMM-P® scoring.
Sector Prioritization
The process by which Vigía Futura determines future-aligned priority sectors each year.
D. Funding & Investment Terms
National Innovation Fund (NIF)
The central investment mechanism funding incubators, startups, and innovation programs under VIF.
Co-investment Mechanism
Funding structure where public and private investors jointly invest in vetted startups following standardized due diligence.
Tranche-Based Disbursement
A milestone-based investment approach where funds are released only when specific evidence requirements and KPIs are met.
SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
An early-stage investment instrument used for simplicity, transparency, and alignment with global innovation ecosystems.
E. MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning)
KPI System
A standardized set of metrics used to assess incubator performance, startup progress, governance maturity, and national outcomes.
National Dashboard
A unified platform displaying MEL, performance data, and KPIs across incubator nodes and national programs.
Annual Performance Cycle
Yearly continuous-improvement system that integrates MEL outcomes, foresight insights, and policy adjustments.
F. Data, IP & Compliance
Data Governance Framework
Rules regulating the collection, sharing, usage, and protection of data across VIF.
IP Agreement
Standardized contracts ensuring clarity on ownership, co-creation, and commercialization rights for startups and institutions.
PPP MOU (Public–Private Partnership Memorandum of Understanding)
Agreement defining roles, responsibilities, data terms, and collaboration rules between public and private incubator nodes.
G. Foresight & Strategy
Weak Signals
Early indicators of potential future changes detected through Vigía Futura’s scanning system.
Horizon Scanning
Systematic exploration of emerging trends and disruptions across sectors.
Scenario Exploration
Structured development of plausible future states to anticipate risks and opportunities.
H. Operational Standards
Accreditation
The process through which incubators are approved to join the national network, based on capability, maturity, and alignment with VIF.
Program Standardization
A requirement that all incubator nodes use the same tools, templates, evidence structures, and reporting protocols.
Governance Score
A composite indicator of institutional readiness, decision-making quality, and compliance with national governance rules.
I. National Impact Concepts
Ecosystem Diagnostic
A structured analysis of the country’s innovation ecosystem, including actors, gaps, opportunities, and readiness for network deployment.
Policy Feedback Loop
Mechanism by which MEL data and foresight insights update policies annually, creating an adaptive national innovation system.
J. References
For in-depth definitions and sources, see 11-references.md.