R&D at the Autonomous National University of Mexico

Abstract

This article traces the evolution of research and development activities at the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM), one of the largest universities in the country. The author discusses the tensions between the teaching and research functions of the University, and the way in which the organization of these activities has changed over the years; the positive and negative impacts of the research incentives and evaluation systems that have aimed to encourage and promote R&D; and the efforts of the Center for Technological Innovation at the University to facilitate and encourage linkages between academic researchers and industry in the face of a low participation in R&D on the part of the private sector and a considerable cultural divide between the two sectors. A key problem is posed by a system of research evaluation which favours the more traditionally academic disciplines doing basic science research and tends to discourage technological and applied research.