Title: The role of MNEs in regional smart specialisation strategies: evidence from San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Authors: Ana Carolina Iga César

Addresses: University of Deusto, Mundaiz 50, 20012, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, País Vasco, Spain

Abstract: Smart specialisation strategies have been adopted in Mexico to guide innovation policy towards strategic domains in particular regions. In San Luis Potosi, the presence of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the automotive sector has fostered growth and shaped regional strategy. The sector is considered one of the three state priorities as an outcome of smart specialisation strategies. The article follows a case-study methodology based on secondary data as well as 16 interviews and 40 responses to a perception survey to shed light on the role of MNEs in regional innovation. The findings show that the presence of MNEs in the region has had productivity impacts but limited innovation impacts. A framework is suggested to guide policy action according to the MNE as well as regional characteristics. Moreover, the findings reveal the importance of facilitating related entrepreneurship.

Keywords: Mexico; knowledge spillovers; MNE; domestic firms; innovation policy; smart specialisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2022.126386

International Journal of Business Environment, 2022 Vol.13 No.4, pp.418 - 448

Received: 26 Sep 2021
Accepted: 25 Jan 2022
Published online: 24 Oct 2022 *

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