With reference to the capabilities approach, the notion of intellectual capital and the Principal - agent theory analyzes the conceptual coherence of the Colombian State's policy on the development of scientific, technological and innovation capabilities. The analysis is addressed neo institutionalism and rational choice, focusing the analysis on the relationships established between police maker - State - and the scientific community. Asymmetric information and little participation by the scientific community in policy design are evident evaluated as factors that could reduce the impact of the actions envisaged in the CONPES 3582/2009