Effects of a Linear Innovation Policy in Non-linear Innovation Sectors: Empirical Study in Strategic Sectors of the State of Mexico

Abstract

This article takes up the discussion of the different models of innovation to understand science, technology and innovation policy in Mexico. The main objective of this research is to identify the effects of the innovation policy in Mexico in strategic sectors of the State of Mexico, through public policy instruments focused on encouraging technological innovation in companies in the State of Mexico. Another objective of this study is to add to the development of the theoretical framework of the innovation policy that helps to design better instruments that promote innovation in diverse technological sectors. The main instrument for promoting innovation in companies in Mexico, recognized in the last 20 years, the Innovation Stimulus Program (PEI), is analyzed to find out the impact of a public policy instrument that follows a linear model in companies of strategic sectors of the State of Mexico that follows a non-linear model of innovation. PEI serves companies of different sizes and purposes, it operates under three modalities: INNOVAPYME (aimed at micro, small and medium-sized companies), INNOVATEC (aimed at large companies) and PROINNOVA (companies of any size that present proposals in connection with at least two Higher Education Institutions or Research Centers). For this study, the focus is oriented to companies from strategic sectors of State of Mexico that are dedicated to innovation activities in the areas of the chemical, agro-food, health, automotive, new materials and plastics technology industries, technologies focused on sustainable development, and information technologies. The main strategic sectors of innovation defined in the State of Mexico follow a non-linear model of innovation, but government programs dedicated to encouraging innovation in companies seem to focus on linear innovation processes. Regarding the methodology, quantitative methods are used to know the effect of policy instruments in strategic sectors of the State of Mexico, a microeconomic analysis is supported through the Survey on Innovation and Technological Development (ESIDET) 2017. By knowing the effects of the main instrument of innovation policy in Mexico, it is possible to identify the role of the state government to strengthen these efforts, complement or improve them. The results present some concrete recommendations on the design of public policies to achieve the greatest benefits in investment in STI to promote regional technological innovation in strategic sectors.