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03 - System Architecture

Vigía Incubation Framework (VIF)​

National Public–Private Incubation Network Guide - Version 1.0

1. Introduction

The System Architecture defines the structural backbone of the Vigía Incubation Framework (VIF).
It translates the findings of the Ecosystem Diagnostic (Section 02) into:

  • governance structures,
  • institutional roles,
  • operational layers,
  • capital flows,
  • data and MEL systems,
  • foresight integration,
  • and national coordination mechanisms.

This section must be read before Section 04 - Operating Model, because the operating model activates and operationalizes the architecture defined here.

For navigation support, see 00a – How to Use VIF.
For terminology, see 00c – Glossary.

2. How to Read This Section

This section explains what the national system is, not how it operates day-to-day.

  • Section 03 = Structure
  • Section 04 = Processes
  • Section 05 = Governance & Capability Requirements
  • Section 06 = Funding & Investment

3. Architectural Overview

VIF architecture integrates the three core Doulab frameworks:

FrameworkInfluence on Architecture
MCF 2.1Defines evidence flow, program modules, and validation stages
IMM-P®Defines institutional maturity levels, TOU capability norms, and incubator eligibility
Vigía FuturaShapes sector priorities, cluster design, and long-term system adaptivity

This creates a multi-layer, future-ready national innovation system.

4. High-Level Architecture Diagram

System Architecture Layers
flowchart TD
    A(MCF 2.1  -  Evidence Layer) --> B(IMM-P®  -  Institutional Maturity Layer)
    B --> C(Vigía Futura  -  Strategic Foresight Layer)
    C --> D("Governance Layer<br/>NSC · TOU · IC")
    D --> E("Operational Layer<br/>Incubator Nodes")
    E --> F("Capital Layer<br/>NIF · Co-Investment · Tranches")
    F --> G("Data & MEL Layer<br/>KPIs · Dashboard · Reviews")
    G --> H(Policy Feedback Loop)
    H --> C

5. VIF Architectural Layers

5.1 Strategic Intelligence Layer​

This layer integrates:

  • Evidence (MCF 2.1)
  • Maturity insights (IMM-P®)
  • Foresight signals (Vigía Futura)

It ensures the network is driven by validated insights and future orientation.

5.2 Governance Layer​

Composed of three national bodies:

National Steering Council (NSC)​

  • Sets national priorities
  • Approves sectoral focus areas
  • Provides political and strategic alignment
  • Ensures cross-institutional collaboration

Technical Operating Unit (TOU)​

  • Central coordination and execution body
  • Oversees incubator accreditation
  • Manages MEL, KPIs, and data flows
  • Enforces program standards and templates

Investment Committee (IC)​

  • Evaluates startup evidence packages
  • Approves tranche-based investments
  • Applies standardized due‑diligence
  • Ensures investment integrity

5.3 Operational Layer (Incubator Nodes)​

Nodes may be:

  • Public incubators
  • University incubators
  • Private accelerators
  • Corporate innovation units
  • International partner nodes

Each node follows:

  • MCF 2.1 evidence standards
  • IMM-P® capability requirements
  • VIF program templates and KPIs
  • Central reporting & MEL protocols

Minimum Capability Requirements for Every Node​

Capability AreaRequirement
GovernanceClear leadership, decision rights, mandate
DataAbility to submit KPIs + evidence digitally
TeamOperational lead + MCF‑trained coach
ProgramsAbility to deliver standardized modules
ComplianceLegal, privacy, ethics readiness
InfrastructureMinimum physical/digital capacity

5.4 Capital & Funding Layer​

Funding flows follow four principles:

  1. Transparency
  2. Evidence-driven decision making
  3. Risk-managed capital allocation
  4. Tranche-based disbursement tied to milestones

Mechanisms include:

  • National Innovation Fund
  • Public–private co-investment
  • SAFE-based early-stage instruments
  • Grant-based capacity-building funds

Capital Safety & Integrity Measures​

  • Standard fiduciary rules
  • Anti‑corruption safeguards
  • Evidence‑based investment memos
  • Third‑party auditing
  • Transparent tranche decisions
  • Full digital traceability

5.5 Data, KPIs & MEL Layer​

This layer ensures national visibility and accountability.

Components include:

  • Startup KPIs
  • Incubator KPIs
  • National dashboard
  • Learning cycles
  • Annual capability reviews
  • Policy insights

Outputs feed into the Policy Feedback Loop, enabling yearly system adjustment.

5.6 Sector Tracks & Clusters​

Sector tracks are defined using Vigía Futura insights:

  • Weak signal mapping
  • Opportunity windows
  • Horizon scanning
  • Emerging sector portfolios

Examples of sector tracks (illustrative only):

  • GovTech
  • HealthTech
  • FinTech
  • ClimateTech
  • CreativeTech
  • TourismTech
  • AI & Digital Public Infrastructure

Each track may form regional clusters based on:

  • academic specialization
  • private‑sector strength
  • demand concentration
  • talent availability

5.7 Architectural Variants​

VIF supports multiple national configurations:

Variant 1 - Centralized​

One national hub, all programs coordinated centrally.

Variant 2 - Hub-and-Spoke​

Core TOU with regional incubator nodes.

Variant 3 - Polycentric / Distributed​

Multiple regional hubs interacting across a shared national backbone (best for large or federal countries).

Variant selection is determined by the diagnostic (Section 02).

5.8 System Dynamics​

The architecture forms a closed-loop system:

Evidence → Capability → Foresight → Governance → Programs → Capital → MEL → Policy → (back to Foresight)

This ensures continuous adaptation and national learning.

6. Connection to Section 04 - Operating Model

Section 04 translates this architecture into:

  • daily operations
  • workflows
  • processes
  • data flows
  • accreditation rules
  • program delivery standards

Architecture = what the system is
Operating Model = how the system works

7. Reference Snapshot

Primary Doulab frameworks informing the architecture:

External influences (non-primary):

  • OECD Public Governance Principles
  • WIPO Global Innovation Index
  • OECD Strategic Foresight Toolkit
  • World Bank GovTech Maturity Index

See 11-references.md for full bibliography.

8. Licensing

Vigia Incubation Framework © 2025 by Luis A. Santiago is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 CC BY NC ND See: LICENSE.md

MicroCanvas®, IMM-P® and VIF are proprietary methodologies of Doulab.