Scientific research areas in Mexico: Growth patterns in the late seventies

Abstract

A longitudinal study of ten Mexican research areas was carried out in the late 1970s. In the study, research institutions were classified by a group of experts as primary and secondary, depending on the quality and quantity of research output. New institutions created during this time period were also classified as primary or secondary. Examination of the data shows a greater growth in the number of research personnel in primary institutions, evidence of uneven distribution of resources. Furthermore, due to the high turnover of qualified personnel observed in secondary institutions, they are at a disadvantage in forming mature, stable research groups, and are often precluded from becoming first rate research center. Since the national science and technology system does not facilitate the movement of institutions from secondary to primary positions, it is recommended that whenever a new institution is created, it should be provided with appropriate resources, both human and material, to make sure it will be considered as first rank from its inception. Also, in order to reduce the gap between primary and secondary institutions, long range strategies, including the provision of high quality researchers, should be developed to facilitate the upgrading of the secondary institutions.