Querétaro’s Strategic Clusterization Efforts
Querétaro, Qro. The state is considering establishing a new cluster focused on the agri-food industry, joining the soon-to-be-officialized creative industries cluster. Both sectors represent Querétaro’s new strategic bets in clusterization.
The Agri-Food Industry Cluster
The agri-food industry cluster is still in its infancy, but it leverages the significant role this industry plays in the local economy, according to Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, Secretary of Sustainable Development (Sedesu).
Meanwhile, creative industries are the next cluster to be established, having been announced in November 2024 and expected to be formalized soon.
“Yes, we plan to create new clusters. The creative industries cluster has already been announced; it hasn’t been formally installed yet, but we are working with the Secretariat of Culture. We’re also considering the agri-food cluster due to the substantial industry presence in our state,” Del Prete Tercero stated.
For now, only these two sectors are being considered for a cluster. The Sedesu head dismissed the idea of replicating this model in many more sectors, as it would dilute its impact.
Creative Industries Cluster
The creative industries cluster is the most advanced, with Sedesu and the State Secretariat of Culture working together on its formation. It could be officially established this year, according to the state secretary.
Ana Paola López Birlain, head of the State Secretariat of Culture (Secult), explained that creative industries contribute 3.5% to Querétaro’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide nearly 17,500 jobs (2.4% of formal employment).
The creative industries cluster has already met Sedesu’s requirements and will be formalized in upcoming dates, López Birlain said.
“The cluster brings together the business sector from all industries, enabling them to invest and support culture. They receive tax benefits, can create better working conditions through artistic projects, and require the community’s creative, design, visual arts, culinary services. These elements are crucial to a company’s value chain,” she explained.
One of the cluster’s objectives is to boost the creative industries’ economy and involve state and municipal dependencies, as well as private initiative for new projects investment.
However, one significant challenge for the sector is increasing its participation in the formal economy, López Birlain shared.
Agri-Food Industry
Regarding the agri-food industry, which includes production and distribution of food products, Querétaro participates in both livestock and agricultural activities.
The state’s diverse climates encourage a wide variety of products, as per the 2024 State Economic Annual report.
In 2022, primary activities generated a value of 13,137.6 million pesos, representing 2.2% of the total GDP; the economic contribution from this sector is mainly due to animal breeding and exploitation (74%) and agriculture (25.5%), along with forest exploitation, related activities to agroforestry and forestry (0.5%).
In agriculture, Querétaro primarily produces corn grain, red tomatoes, green chilies, among others, according to 2023 data. Within the livestock sector, Querétaro ranked fifth in poultry meat production in 2023, mainly chicken, as well as beef and pork.
Querétaro’s Cluster Network
Querétaro has a state network consisting of eight specialized clusters in technology digital, automotive, aerospace, plastics, energy, logistics, medical, and viticulture industries.
If established, the creative industries cluster would be the ninth organization operating under this model. The agri-food cluster, if confirmed, would be the tenth.
The cluster model, according to the state government, promotes the joint development of various companies through an innovative environment, sector specialization, and industry modernization. These organizational schemes typically include companies, government instances, educational centers, and research institutions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the new clusters Querétaro is considering? Querétaro is exploring a new cluster in the agri-food industry and plans to establish an official creative industries cluster.
- What is the current status of these clusters? The agri-food industry cluster is still in its early stages, while the creative industries cluster is expected to be formalized soon.
- What role do these clusters play in Querétaro’s economy? Creative industries contribute 3.5% to Querétaro’s GDP and provide nearly 17,500 jobs. The agri-food industry is significant in the local economy.
- What are the main objectives of these clusters? The creative industries cluster aims to boost the sector’s economy and involve state and private dependencies. The agri-food cluster seeks to leverage the industry’s substantial presence in Querétaro.
- What challenges does the creative industries sector face? Increasing participation in the formal economy is a significant challenge for the creative industries sector.
