Innovation is a key driver of economic growth and productivity. It is also a crucial determinant of a nation’s ability to compete globally. In recent years, Mexico has fallen behind other economies in both its productivity levels and encouragement of innovation.

To address this issue, the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Fundación IDEA have worked together since 2013 along with the private sector and renowed experts to bring together Mexican senators and federal deputies from all political parties in a two-day annual summit. This summit provides a space for brainstorming and discussing legislative initiatives and policy recommendations to encourage innovation in Mexico.

On February 1st, the Mexico Institute and Fundación IDEA will host the fifth edition of the High-Level Innovation Forum for Mexican Policymakers. The objective of this year’s forum is to reflect on the accomplishments and the challenges faced during the last 5 years in Mexico. It will also be an opportunity to discuss an action plan for the next decade, by incorporating key emerging topics, such as: Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Property, Bio-citizenry, E-Commerce, Automation, among others, to Mexico’s policy agenda.

8:55am – 9:00 am – Welcome Remarks

• Duncan Wood, Director, Mexico Institute 

Alberto Saracho, Executive Director, Fundación IDEA
 

9:00: am – 10:00 am: Mexico & Innovation – How far has Mexico come in recent years?

Moderator:  Duncan Wood, Director, Mexico Institute

• Paulo Carreño, CEO, ProMexico
• Rolando Zubiran, Executive Director, National Institute of Entrepeneurs of Mexico (INADEM)
   

10:00am – 10:15 am:  Coffee Break

10:15 am – 11:15 am: Mexico’s Challenges in Innovation

Moderator:  Alberto Saracho, Executive Director, Fundación IDEA

• Santiago Gutierrez, Executive Editor, Latin Trade Group, CEO of Editora Latin Trade  

Jerry Haar, Profesor of International Business, Interim Executive Director, Office of Executive and Professional Education, College of Business Administration, Florida International University, Global Fellow, Latin American Program, Wilson Center
 

11:15 am – 11:30 am:  Coffee Break
 

11:30 am – 12:30pm: Towards a More innovative Mexico

Moderator:  Christopher Wilson, Deputy Director, Mexico Institute

• Alberto Saracho, Executive Director, Fundación IDEA   
• David Wholley, Director for Research Partnerships, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health 

* Please note translation will be available. Equipment will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.