This research seeks to analyze the main variables that affect competitiveness in the Department of Cesar, based on an analysis of the results of the Departmental Competitiveness Index (IDC) 2013-2017 and its relationship with the public investment projects of the Department of Cesar for the same period. In this work, the methodology developed was the cross evaluation of investment projects that have a relationship and/or impact with the pillars, sub-pillars and variables of the IDC in order to determine how the direction of resources and the execution of projects can promote competitiveness and therefore the development of this department. The results of the research show that although there has been a growth in Cesar's IDC 2013-2017, after four years’ low competitiveness indexes were observed, contrasting the investment that amounts to 7 billion and that 49% invested has been directed in projects related to competitiveness and has not generated the expected impact since the projects have presented shortcomings from the formulation to the closing of the same. As for the variables that most affect Cesar's IDC, the following were found: sophistication, diversification, of fiscal management, transparency, health coverage and investment in public health. The results of this project are a key input for the managers and decision makers in the Department of Cesar so that they can have methods and strategies to prioritize projects that effectively achieve an increase in competitiveness and development in the department based on its resources and the requirements of its population.
