Proposals for Mexico’s Technology Transformation: 2024 Candidates

In the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, Mexico's candidates highlighted the fundamental role of technology and digital transformation across various economic and social sectors. Their proposals offer insight into the innovative strategies they believe will shape the future of the country, and drive economic and social development in the coming years.

During the debate, Claudia Sheinbaum, candidate of the coalition Sigamos Haciendo Historia, emphasized the role of digitalization during her administration as head of government of Mexico City, highlighting the creation of the Digital Agency for Public Innovation (ADIP). Sheinbaum highlighted the economic and transparency benefits derived from administrative digitalization, with savings estimated at MX$3.88 billion (US$231 million).

"Digitalization not only helps to avoid corruption, but it is essential to design and implement solutions focused on solving problems for the population by facilitating the interaction between government and citizens," Claudia Sheinbaum.

She also mentioned her intention of continuing the development of the CDMX App. This app, developed by the ADIP, offers a comprehensive platform that concentrates a variety of services and mobile functions provided by Mexico City, which includes the registration of license plates, access to C5 security systems, information on events in the city, the realization of reports of losses and crimes, the request for private transportation, and the location of free internet points, among others.

In addition, she plans to expand the connectivity policy of the current administration by strengthening the "Internet for All" program, which aims to ensure universal Internet access by 2030. An objective she aims to accomplish through the expansion of the telecommunications infrastructure of CFE internet in areas without coverage, as well as integrating the existing infrastructure, such as satellite and spectral resources, in this service. 

On the other hand, Jorge Álvarez Máynez, candidate of Movimiento Ciudadano, emphasized the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the health sector. He highlighted the potential of AI to predict trends and anticipate public health needs, including the ability to manage health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Álvarez Máynez also announced his commitment to invest 1% of the federal budget for science and technology (around US$90 million) to boost innovation and improve education in the country.

Finally, Xóchitl Gálvez, candidate for the Fuerza y Corazón por México coalition, proposed the institution of a "Mi Salud" smart card, designed to facilitate people’s access to both the public and private healthcare systems. This card will allow citizens to keep a digital health history, request medical appointments, and fill prescriptions, all backed by blockchain technology to ensure data security and privacy. 

"Science and technology will cease to be a marginal agenda and become a lever for development, prosperity and the solution of major national problems," reads Gálvez's website. "Sustainable development, health, clean energy options, the innovation capabilities of Mexican companies, and even public safety will depend to a large extent on the strength of our science and technology system."

To fulfill this vision, Gálvez proposed to promote stimulating innovation in strategic sectors such as the automotive, aerospace and agri-food industries through financial support, as well as the training of talents in STEM competencies. This initiative would include outreach programs in science and technology education from basic levels, as well as scholarships and research positions aimed at fostering expertise in science, mathematics, technology and engineering. In particular, a concerted effort would be made to encourage greater participation of women in these fields through both national and international scholarships, with the overall objective of facilitating technological advancement.

These proposals reflect a shift towards a more technological and future-oriented approach in Mexican policy, which could boost the country’s economic and social development. It is expected that these proposals, in addition to clarifying voters' doubts on technological issues, will generate significant debate among the different political and economic actors in the Mexican technology and digital services market. In addition, they could lay the groundwork for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors for the implementation of technological solutions.