By José Ángel de la Paz

“Mexico could be the ‘tiger of emerging economies’ over the next 25 years, if leaders like you dare to innovate,” said José Varela, CEO of 3M Mexico, during the closing ceremony of the 2019 EGADE National MBA Conference.

Varela offered the keynote speech "The science behind innovation" to more than 350 MBA students from the EGADE Monterrey, Mexico City, Guadalajara and Querétaro sites.

The executive from the company that invented products such as masking tape, Scotch Tape and Post-it Notes said that science is the principal source of innovation.

“At 3M, we are fully aware of the importance of science and use it every day to improve people's lives. But, what do people across the globe think of science? Do they understand the importance and impact of science in their lives in the same way as we do?” he asked.

Varela told the attendees that, according to the report “The Global State of Science (SoSI)”, Mexicans are more curious about than indifferent to science.

"For example, 54% of Mexicans, compared to just 29% of the Chinese population, believe that science is the solution to the world’s major problems," he said.

Nevertheless,  he added that even though Mexicans are optimistic about the future of science and its potential to solve global challenges, hold  STEM careers in high regard and are enthusiastic about scientific advancements, they feel that the country is falling behind.

"Despite the high expectations, people are extremely skeptical when it comes to science," he said.

Varela concluded that in order to prevent Mexico’s growth from grinding to a halt, innovation should be fostered through investments in science and technology, with the collaboration of companies, the government and other sectors, such as institutions of higher education.