Introduction
The newly created Mexican Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (SECIHTI) aims to transform Mexico into a scientific powerhouse. However, its budget for the fiscal year 2026 faces significant challenges, with a nominal cut of 1.48% and a real reduction of -7.8%. This article explores the implications of these budget constraints on SECIHTI’s ambitious projects and programs.
Budget Overview
Although the overall budget for humanities, science, and technology increased nominally by 6.1% (as per Anexo 12 of the 2026 Economic Package), this translates to a mere 0.3% real growth. The newly established SECIHTI, allocated in Ramo 38, might not receive sufficient funds to achieve its ambitious goals.
If the current situation persists, most of Anexo 12’s general budget will go to Public Education, amounting to 106,495 million pesos. This includes higher education services, postgraduate studies, research, as well as scholarship and subsidy programs not directly managed by SECIHTI. While this distribution seems reasonable, it raises concerns about SECIHTI’s ability to implement a state science and innovation policy with the available funds.
Ambitious Projects, Limited Budget
SECIHTI plans to tackle numerous extensive and high-impact projects, such as developing a national electric vehicle (Olinia), initiatives in semiconductors (Kutsari), and strengthening the lithium value chain. Other projects include earth observation satellites (Ixtli), climate monitoring systems, and agricultural and medical sector projects. However, these programs will only receive a fraction of SECIHTI’s total budget.
National Strategic Programs (Pronaces), targeting urgent issues in health, energy, and the environment, are allocated a mere 691 million pesos. This “symbolic” amount is minuscule compared to the challenges these programs aim to address. For instance, this allocation represents only 0.13% of the adults’ programs budget, which amounts to 526,508 million pesos.
Budget Cuts Affecting Research and Talent
The budget constraints extend beyond strategic projects. The Sistema Nacional de Investigadoras e Investigadores (SNII) receives 9,170 million pesos. While this program is crucial for establishing a high-level scientific community, the amount may be insufficient to accommodate the growing number of scientists and support “the development of cutting-edge strategic technologies,” as promised.
Similarly, the Centros Públicos de Investigación (CPI) will have 8,384 million pesos, a sum that might not be enough to restore their role as “knowledge creators” and effectively link them with regional needs.
Uncertainty in Talent Development
Despite the promise of providing scholarships and support for scientific and humanistic community development, including foreign studies and repatriation scholarships, the Directorate General of Scholarships and Support receives 25,318 million pesos. Although this represents a significant portion of SECIHTI’s budget, the ambition to benefit underprivileged populations in states like Chiapas and Oaxaca, along with diversifying study areas, raises questions about whether these funds will suffice to meet all needs and ensure quality training.
These figures contrast with the “scientific president’s” pledge to position Mexico as a “scientific and innovation powerhouse.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the SECIHTI’s budget for its first year? The proposed budget is 32,809 million pesos, which represents only 12.26% of the Secretary of Energy’s budget.
- What are some of SECIHTI’s planned projects? These include developing a national electric vehicle (Olinia), initiatives in semiconductors (Kutsari), strengthening the lithium value chain, and various earth observation satellites (Ixtli) and climate monitoring systems.
- How much is allocated for the National System of Researchers (SNII)? The SNII receives 9,170 million pesos, raising concerns about its ability to support the growing scientific community and cutting-edge technology development.
- What is the budget for the National Strategic Programs (Pronaces)? These programs receive a mere 691 million pesos, which is considered insufficient given the magnitude of challenges they aim to address.
- How much is allocated for scholarships and talent development? The Directorate General of Scholarships and Support receives 25,318 million pesos, but questions remain about whether these funds will be enough to meet the needs of underprivileged populations and diverse study areas.
