Toward the emergence of a culture of innovation in a Mexican public research center: Findings and lessons learned

Abstract

This paper describes the journey and the strategies established during the 1973-2015 period around the culture of innovation, intellectual property and knowledge transfer in a Public Research Center (CPI), The Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE). We present an account of the elements of learning, main findings and milestones from the perspective of the National Science and Technology Policies, their changes over time and the impact of new regulations during the period of analysis. We discuss the factors that had significant impact on the processes of technology and knowledge transfer. We also identify the major inhibitors and drivers towards the establishment of a culture of innovation environment in CICESE where a clear vision on the role of innovation on the institutional dynamics is fundamental. Our conclusions include recommendations and strategies to enhancing institutional capacity toward the establishment of a culture of innovation that may impact society, government and industry.