Mexico Signs Agreement to Align Education with Global Demands

The Mexican government, academic institutions, and business leaders have signed an agreement to enhance education, technology, and innovation, addressing the country's socio-economic needs. The National Agreement to Strengthen Professional Training, Technological Knowledge, and Innovation was formalized at the National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES). It aims to align educational programs with the demands of a changing global landscape.

Mario Delgado, Minister of Education, says that the initiative is pivotal for equipping talent with the skills necessary to thrive in an era of globalization and technological acceleration, reports the Mexican Ministry of Education (SEP). Delgado highlights that the effort forms part of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s vision of consolidating the National Education System as a transformative instrument for Mexico's comprehensive development.

The accord underscores a "triple helix" collaboration model that brings together government, academia, and the private sector to enhance workforce readiness, according to the Mexican Business Coordinating Council (CCE). It also introduces community inclusion as its fourth axis.

Luis González, Secretary-General, ANUIES, says that the agreement represents a commitment by higher education institutions to recalibrate their goals to better support national growth. He stresses the importance of aligning academic offerings with industry demands to foster innovation and economic development. 

The agreement aligns with efforts to harness opportunities such as nearshoring, which positions Mexico as an attractive destination for high-tech investments and job creation. “​​Mexico has experienced an increase in foreign investment, which has led to job creation. As a result, companies will need to focus on upskilling their workforce,” says Jan Viviani, CEO, Voxy, to MBN. 

During the signing event, Arturo Reyes Sandoval, Director General, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), highlighted the importance of staying at the forefront of fields like AI, electromobility, and semiconductors. Similarly, Ramón Jiménez, Head, Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM), outlined initiatives to train a highly skilled workforce, supported by a robust network of institutions and research centers.