Introduction
Mexico’s government has allocated the smallest budget for science, technology, and innovation in the last 18 years. The initial budget was 57.8 million pesos, representing only 0.16% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a decrease of 7.4% from the previous year. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommends investing at least 1% of the GDP in these areas.
Budget Allocation and Its Impact
With the arrival of Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, a PhD in Engineering in Energy, it was expected that more resources would be directed towards education, science, and technology. However, this has not materialized; only about 3% of the budget is allocated to education, while experts suggest between 4-6%. Mexico ranks penultimate among the 37 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries in educational performance.
Global Investment in Innovation
Countries leading in economic growth have invested heavily in human capital, science, technology, and innovation. Emerging nations like India and South Korea exemplify significant advancements through their projects, placing them at the forefront in various specialties.
United States’ Response to Semiconductor Crisis
Facing a semiconductor production crisis, the United States was compelled to develop an ambitious program for chip manufacturing, particularly targeting the automotive industry. Former President Joe Biden championed this initiative through the Chips Act to reduce reliance on Taiwanese production.
Mexico’s Educational Challenges
At the start of her administration, President Sheinbaum established the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation, which should coordinate with the Education Secretariat. However, one year later, there are no significant improvements; school dropouts have increased to the point where over 800,000 students abandoned pre-school, primary, secondary, and especially bachelor’s programs. Only 60% of 15- to 19-year-olds are enrolled in any educational program, a figure below the OECD average of 84%.
Educational Performance Indicators
The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results show a lag in mathematics and reading comprehension.
Limited Access to Graduate Programs
If foundational education and training are weak, specialized programs fare even worse. Only 1% of the population enters master’s and doctoral studies. According to the State of Mexico Graduate School Center, only 20% of undergraduate graduates pursue further studies. Less than 30% of master’s and doctoral students are women, and only 2% come from indigenous communities.
Focus on University Openings and Neglect of Teacher Training
During the seven-year Morena administration, there has been a preference for opening low-quality universities. Resources could have been better directed towards public universities or scholarships for outstanding students.
Mexico Evalúa reports that the budget emphasizes direct transfers while neglecting teacher training. The production of educational materials and assessments has weakened due to budget cuts, compromising teaching quality and the system’s ability to cater to diverse student needs.
Stagnation in Technological Development
Not only have graduate studies stagnated, but technological development has also suffered. Institutions focused on technology have received limited support, often crucial for bolstering regional productive areas.
Low Number of Patents
In the past two years, only 15,630 patent applications were registered, far below Brazil and Chile’s numbers in Latin America.
Nearshoring Unrealized and Rising Protectionism
Nearshoring has not been established; instead, protectionist measures are strengthening, starting with the United States. Consequently, an aggressive program for education, technology, science, innovation, and development is necessary. However, the federal government’s proposed budget for 2026 is insufficient and election-driven.
