Patenting and innovation in Mexico, a developing country: Theory and politics

Abstract

In the current reality of developing countries, including Mexico, economic institutions such as patents, technological innovation and the commercialization of knowledge generated in universities acquire great importance, under the assumption that knowledge can quickly be translated into new products and processes of high technology. However, there is considerable theoretical and conceptual confusion asto the relationship between these variables. The present article draws attention to the need to place in perspective the importance of university patenting, by taking into account aspects that are not necessarily related to direct economic returns.