ESG, Innovation, and Talent: Bosch's Impact in Mexico

Q: How does Bosch approach ESG, and how do suppliers align with its principles?
A: ESG is highly important for Bosch. Our local suppliers are both international companies with operations in Mexico and Mexican-owned businesses. While international suppliers already comply with global ESG standards, Mexican suppliers have also made significant advances in the field. Having a mix of both types of suppliers is valuable, but compliance is essential for all. Every year, we have a business partner day where we discuss ESG requirements. We have observed that the supply chain understands the need to comply with ESG, so we are not starting from scratch. 

Sustainability is also an economic matter. Green energies are less expensive than fossil fuels, which helps in this transformation. We are involved in numerous projects, but obtaining authorities’ approvals for some of them is not easy. Authorities could streamline processes, particularly for installing solar panels. There is now a restriction that limits companies to producing for self-consumption only, yet the industry aims to increase production and share with other plants. 

Q: How does the Mexican ESG strategy differ from the strategy applied in other countries? 
A: Social matters must be addressed when discussing ESG. Communities in Mexico are different from those in other parts of the world because the country has a younger population with an average age of 22. Bosch focuses on the community’s quality of life, offering scholarships to families with less financial means so that their children can study through the MexCellence program. This is a decentralized program implemented exclusively for public school students across the country. We have apprenticeships and other programs with private institutions, but our primary focus is on public schools. After completing their studies, participants can join the Bosch team in any of our facilities. Many individuals participating in MexCellence come from institutions like the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN).

Q: What is Bosch's approach to innovation, development, and patent generation? What areas seem promising for the company?
A: Innovation occurs everywhere. In Guadalajara, Jalisco, we focus on software, while our office in San Luis Potosi has a engineering center that started with electromobility and nitrogen technologies. Nitrogen offers a significant advantage, as it can be used in current injection systems without modifications. The latter center also is exploring hydrogen fuel cell technology. We have projects in China involving fuel cell trucks, and there is potential for this technology in North America.

We approach development in three levels. The first level is fundamental development, which concentrates on the basics. In Germany, we have a redevelopment center, which represents the second level. This center focuses on refining and improving existing products, processes, or technologies, emphasizing innovation and the enhancement of systems currently in use. In Mexico, we focus on application and project development, which constitutes the third level. This level involves applying existing technologies or methodologies to specific projects or applications. We have developed some products in the country and this is just the beginning.

Bosch continues to be a leader in patents. We are now focusing on generative AI and aim to encourage idea exchange among managers and specialists regarding its potential, as this technology offers inspiring possibilities. 

Bosch is a leading technology company in the fields of mobility, building technologies, consumer goods and industry. It has 15 facilities and four R&D centers in Mexico.