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Promoting Economic Development through Networks and Partnerships the Mexican government is seeking stronger relationships and better coordination among their S&T-related agencies, and greater support from industry in new technology development and innovative business practices.
The Mexican government recognizes the important role of science and technology in economic and social development. Investment in R&D has remained steady over the years. The government has worked to create an environment favorable to technology innovation. Milestones include implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1993 and participation in major international agreements regulating the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). It also has implemented regulations that provide for nondiscriminatory national treatment in IPR matters and established certain protection for trade secrets and proprietary information.
Several elements of the social and political environment in Mexico have a major impact on science and technology strategies. First, many scientific and technological facilities in the public and private sectors are concentrated geographically around Mexico City. Second, there is a strong contrast in awareness about the importance of science and technology between the small number of policymakers and middle class professionals and the large rural population. Third, domestic industry is dominated by small business, most of which is not S&T-based. Fourth, Mexico's demographic distribution has a large proportion of very young people demanding education and new jobs.
CONACYT, Mexico's National Council for Science and Technology, is in charge of promoting, implementing, and coordinating the S&T policies for the government. CONACYT has been promoting its S&T policy through various venues and working with industry to promote Mexico's technological resources.