The building of knowledge spaces in Mexico: a regional approach to networking

Abstract The accumulated science base in public research centres (PRCs), current learning processes in firms and emergent knowledge flows among actors are creating knowledge spaces at the regional level in Mexico. These conditions represent an advantage upon which Mexico could build environments favourable to innovation and social and economic development. Through the selection of case studies in the fields of material sciences, biotechnology and telecommunications in a set of PRCs and private service centres located in the Bajio region, the creation of knowledge spaces is documented. PRCs, considered to be repositories of basic research, are coming to play a relevant role in this process. For the three technological fields considered, it is observed that emergent knowledge spaces in this region are rendering space to different trends of relationships that could lead to a Triple Helix model. These relationships are sustained on knowledge flows that present different characteristics in technological and economic sectors. Knowledge networks are built upon lateral and bilateral institutional interactions. They could represent an important basis for supporting trilateral and spiral knowledge networks. The regional perspective in the creation of knowledge spaces in Mexico is an important basis on which a science and technology policy could be designed to contribute to social and economic development.

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