This paper aims to show the contribution of the states of the art, seen as a research modality in the production of knowledge in Social Sciences, particularly, the contribution to the development of Political Science. The authors discuss the idea that states of the art are limited to the organization and systematization of knowledge. The main purpose of the text is to demonstrate that states of the art, seen as a research modality, produce knowledge. This statement is based on theoretical analysis and on the study of an empirical case: the academic output of the Institute of Political Studies of the University of Antioquia, in 20 years.