Abstract
The innovation process is founded on a high-quality education system at all levels, which trains scientists and technologists capable of generating innovations. Education is the most decisive factor in human development, yet in Mexico current statistics reveal a critical situation at every educational level, as only 1 out of every 10 children entering elementary school obtains a university degree, and less than 0.01% of the population holds a doctoral degree. In addition, international tests such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reflect the low educational performance of Mexican students in several subject areas. The deficiencies found in the national education system negatively impact innovation indicators. Although there have been major initiatives to reverse underperformance in education, science, technology and innovation (STI), the country has actually seen its global competitiveness ranking fall from 55th in 2013 to 57th in 2015, and structural reforms in education, science and technology proposed since 2012 have still not been successfully implemented. This paper analyses the current status of the education and STI systems in Mexico and sets out some strategies to improve public policies to profit from the great competitive advantages that Mexico has as an emerging economy, with about 52 million economically active people and great untapped potential if innovations policies are implemented successfully.
Highlights
Education quality, scientific research and technological development play a crucial role in innovation
A high human development index (HDI) implies that people are in a better position to take advantage of the benefits offered by innovation, and have a higher level of health, education and other basic services, as well as better wages, which leads to greater wellness
Mexican students have failed to attain the average grades of the member countries of this international organization, in math, reading or science, within the framework of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), according to the last test applied in 2012 (OECD, 2012)
Summary
Scientific research and technological development play a crucial role in innovation. Innovation is a key factor enabling nations to attain sustainable growth and development, thereby helping to reduce the economic and political inequalities of their citizens and achieve social well-being and peace. Through various public policies, several governments around the world have been keen to achieve competitive advantages in their economies, enabling them to attain sustainable economic growth, comparable or greater than that of their peers, and these strategies have been based on innovation. A high human development index (HDI) implies that people are in a better position to take advantage of the benefits offered by innovation, and have a higher level of health, education and other basic services, as well as better wages, which leads to greater wellness. We analyze the STI system, the current status of innovation indicators and the major challenges for innovation in the country, while proposing some strategies to improve public policies aimed at fostering innovation
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