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04 - Operating Model

Vigía Incubation Framework (VIF)​

National Public–Private Incubation Network Guide - Version 1.0

1. Introduction

The Operating Model defines how the Vigía Incubation Framework (VIF) works in practice.
Where Section 03 describes the system’s architecture, Section 04 translates that structure into:

  • daily operations
  • program workflows
  • evidence flows
  • decision-making processes
  • data pipelines
  • capability requirements
  • investment interactions
  • nationwide coordination mechanisms

This section must be read after Section 03 - System Architecture, because it activates the governance structures, capital flows, and ecosystem design principles established there.

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

2. How to Read This Section

This section explains:

  • what actors do,
  • how they interact,
  • what evidence they submit,
  • how decisions are made,
  • and how national consistency is maintained.

It is used by:

  • TOU teams
  • incubator nodes
  • universities
  • private accelerators
  • government innovation units
  • investors and co-investment partners

Sections that depend on this one:

  • Section 05 - Governance & Capability Requirements
  • Section 06 - Funding & Investment
  • Section 07 - KPIs & MEL
  • Section 08 - Roadmap & Phasing
  • Section 10 - Templates

3. Operating Model Overview

The VIF operating model follows a closed-loop national innovation cycle driven by:

  • evidence (MCF 2.1),
  • institutional maturity (IMM-P®),
  • and strategic foresight (Vigía Futura).

This cycle ensures continuous learning and adaptive national coordination.

4. High-Level Operating Model Diagram

Operating Model Loop
flowchart LR
    A(Outreach & Attraction) --> B(Selection & Eligibility)
    B --> C(Incubation Delivery)
    C --> D(Acceleration & Investment Readiness)
    D --> E(Investment & Tranching)
    E --> F(Monitoring · KPIs · MEL)
    F --> G(Graduation)
    G --> H(Foresight & Policy Feedback)
    H --> A

This closed-loop structure ensures that insights from each cycle strengthen the next.

5. Operating Principles

The VIF Operating Model follows six national-level principles:

5.1 Standardization with Contextual Flexibility​

  • All incubators apply the same evidence standards (MCF 2.1).
  • Programs use consistent modules.
  • Regional adaptations remain allowed.

5.2 Public–Private Symmetry​

  • Public and private incubators follow the same rules.
  • Decision rights and reporting obligations are mirrored.
  • Accreditation and compliance rules apply equally.

5.3 Evidence Before Investment​

No investment decisions occur without a validated evidence package.

5.4 Capability-Driven Governance​

IMM-P® defines maturity expectations for:

  • TOU
  • incubator nodes
  • ministerial units
  • university partners

5.5 Transparency & Digital Traceability​

All evidence, KPIs, and tranche decisions live inside the national VIF system.

5.6 Continuous Adaptation​

Vigía Futura ensures programs adjust to emerging sectors and national priorities.

6. Core Operating Modules

The operating model consists of eight modules, each corresponding to a stage in the national innovation cycle.

6.1 Module 1 - Outreach & Attraction​

Purpose​

Generate a strong national pipeline of diverse, high-quality startups.

Key Activities​

  • Public and private outreach campaigns
  • Partnerships with universities
  • Coordination with municipalities and regions
  • Early diagnostic using MCF 2.1
  • Pre-registration through the national platform

Outputs​

  • Startup pipeline catalog
  • Early-stage evidence (MCF 2.1)
  • Regional distribution reports

6.2 Module 2 - Selection & Eligibility​

Purpose​

Ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency across nodes.

Key Activities​

  • Eligibility screening
  • Capability review
  • Founding team assessment
  • Initial evidence review (MCF 2.1)
  • Foresight alignment check (Vigía Futura sectors)

Outputs​

  • Selection scorecard
  • Eligibility decision
  • Node assignment

6.3 Module 3 - Incubation Delivery​

Purpose​

Develop capabilities, evidence, and clarity for each startup.

Key Activities​

  • Delivery of standardized program modules
  • MCF-driven customer discovery
  • Problem framing & opportunity analysis
  • Solution evidence
  • Business model assessment
  • Use of approved templates (Section 10)
  • Mentoring and coaching sessions

Outputs​

  • MCF 2.1 evidence package
  • Updated venture profile
  • Customer validation data

6.4 Module 4 - Acceleration & Investment Readiness​

Purpose​

Prepare validated startups for investment and scaling.

Key Activities​

  • Pricing, GTM, and business model refinement
  • Financial modeling (standard templates)
  • Technical feasibility checks
  • Operational planning
  • Pitch readiness
  • MCF 2.1 investment evidence

Outputs​

  • Investment-readiness evidence package
  • Investment memo draft
  • Maturity readiness profile

6.5 Module 5 - Investment & Tranching​

Purpose​

Enable transparent, evidence-based funding decisions.

Key Activities​

  • IC review
  • Tranche-based decision making
  • SAFE or co-investment agreements
  • Risk evaluation
  • Regulatory compliance checks
  • Data logging for MEL

Outputs​

  • Investment decision
  • Tranche schedule
  • Investment ledger entries

6.6 Module 6 - Monitoring, KPIs & MEL​

Purpose​

Ensure continuous learning, accountability, and transparency.

Key Activities​

  • Monthly KPI submission
  • Startup progress reviews
  • Node performance evaluation
  • Institutional maturity updates (IMM-P®)
  • Identification of learning patterns
  • Dashboard publication

Outputs​

  • MEL reports
  • National dashboard updates
  • Policy inputs

6.7 Module 7 - Graduation​

Purpose​

Transition validated startups to scaling, investment, or exit pathways.

Key Activities​

  • Graduation evidence review
  • Compliance checks
  • Export-readiness assessment
  • Referral to public–private partners
  • Alumni onboarding

Outputs​

  • Graduation certificate
  • Readiness scores
  • Alumni database entry

6.8 Module 8 - Foresight & Policy Feedback​

Purpose​

Update national programs using insights from every cohort.

Key Activities​

  • Sector trend reassessment
  • Weak signal tracking (Vigía Futura)
  • Policy alignment workshops
  • Annual strategic updates
  • Program redesign with NSC

Outputs​

  • Updated national sector priorities
  • Program adjustments
  • National innovation strategy updates

7. Operating Model Constraints

All operating models must account for:

  • Talent shortages in incubator teams
  • Digital infrastructure gaps
  • Regional capability disparities
  • Procurement and administrative delays
  • Institutional resistance
  • Funding volatility
  • Limited data culture or systems

The TOU must plan mitigation strategies tailored to these constraints.

8. Capability Requirements for Incubator Nodes

Minimum requirements to operate inside VIF:

Capability CategoryRequirement
GovernanceClear mandate, leadership, decision-making clarity
Evidence & DataAbility to deliver MCF packages + KPIs monthly
Team CapabilityMCF-trained staff, coaching capacity
InfrastructureDigital tools, meeting space, stable systems
ComplianceLegal readiness, data privacy, ethics
Program DeliveryAbility to run standardized modules

These requirements are further detailed in Section 05 - Governance & Capability Requirements.

9. Data & Evidence Flows

Data & Evidence Flow
flowchart TD
    A(Startups) --> B(Incubator Nodes)
    B --> C(TOU  -  Evidence Review)
    C --> D(Investment Committee)
    D --> E(Tranche Decision)
    E --> F(MEL · KPIs · Dashboard)
    F --> G(Foresight Cycle · Vigía Futura)
    G --> A

This ensures national learning, consistency, and accountability.

10. Connection to Section 05

Section 05 expands this operating model into:

  • governance maturity requirements (IMM-P®)
  • accreditation norms
  • TOU capability standards
  • decision-making rights
  • oversight mechanisms
  • institutional roles

11. Reference Snapshot

Primary Doulab frameworks defining the operating model:

External influences (non-primary):

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

Full bibliography in 11-references.md.

12. 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.