At the initiative of the Federal Executive, last Friday the draft decree to reform, add and repeal various provisions of the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration was presented to the Chamber of Deputies, among which the creation of the new Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation.
“Through concrete public actions and policies, based on the principles of utility, public interest, honesty and the use of science and innovation, we will maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public, material and human resources of the Federal government,” reads in the initiative, giving greater weight to science and adding it in different public instances.
The basis for the change was to consider that the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (Conahcyt), even with the modifications of the last six-year term, failed to meet the expectations of the sector. “Starting in 2002, the Mexican state, influenced by neoliberal ideology, began a process of restructuring the current Conahcyt, without deepening and guaranteeing what our country requires in these matters.”
The document indicates that public opinion came to classify said institution as “a scholarship agency” or as the institution responsible “for the loss of trusts, which implied losing the operation provided by the funds from the secretariats.” It also ensures that the demand of various sectors persists to achieve both scientific sovereignty and technological independence of Mexico, “through the formulation of public policies on HCTI, as well as centralizing and reorganizing said institution, avoiding duplication of functions.” .
He adds that the complexity of the issues forces us to redefine the scope of the institution and, correspondingly, the design and implementation of specific government strategies of the Organic Law from the Federal Public Administration, which is why “it is necessary to reform the current Organic Law of the APF, with the objective of providing coherence and legality to the entities in charge of the design and implementation of plans, programs and actions.”
Proposes strengthening operational capabilities
According to the initiative sent by President Claudia Sheinbaum, technological development and innovation are activities that allow countries and regions to bring social benefits, quality of life and comfort to their populations, as well as improve their economic activity and increase justice. social. “That is why we must benefit our own technological development and innovation, with a view to guaranteeing independence in these areas.”
Thus, the proposal is through a Secretariat where the State “will guarantee the definition, articulation and coordination of strategies with various secretariats regarding humanistic and scientific research for the country.”
In this way, in article 26 of the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration, the addition of section XV is proposed, which names the existence of the CHTI Secretariat, with the functions that previously fell to Conahcyt, in addition of some responsibilities that must be assumed from the elevation of this administrative responsibility.
These new faculties are, for example, the one considered for article 38, where the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) will be responsible, together with the SCHTI, for granting scholarships so that Mexican students can carry out research or complete cycles of studies. studies abroad.
Specifically, article 38 BIS details the functions of the new Secretariat, which among them indicates the responsibility of:
Guarantee the right of every person to benefit from the development of science, humanistic progress and technological innovation; formulate and conduct national HCTI policy; articulate, coordinate and exercise the stewardship that corresponds to the State through the National Democratic Planning System; coordinate with educational authorities higher education and its functions in HCTI; promote national and international exchange and promote high-level human resources.
In addition, the Secretariat will be in charge of designing, coordinating and operating programs to support and recognize the performance, trajectory and contributions of human resources and members of the National HCTI System.
One of the main challenges will be to manage the Rosario Castellanos University and the Health University, in addition to developing, implementing and evaluating the plans, programs and strategies in accordance with the National Development Plan and generating the best practices in scientific diplomacy. It is even clearly indicated that they will be responsible for proposing to the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit the granting of fiscal stimuli.
In addition to scholarships, programs and complementary support, scientific infrastructure and support for sectorized Public Centers for Humanistic and Scientific Research, Technological Development and Innovation.
On this occasion, it is resumed to promote the establishment of scientific-based companies, stimulate technology transfer, patenting and entrepreneurship; promote comprehensive and participatory evaluation, promote dissemination campaigns, dissemination and appropriation of science, topics that were left aside in the past.
In summary
Responsibilities of the new secretariat
- Guarantee independence in scientific development and innovation
- Articulate and coordinate strategies with other secretariats on the matter
- Grant scholarships together with the SEP for students abroad
- Design, coordinate and operate performance support and recognition programs
- Manage the Rosario Castellanos University and the Health University
- Involve in the design of scientific diplomacy practices
- Promote the granting of fiscal incentives to the SHCP
Budget for Conahcyt
2018-2024 (pesos)
- 2018: 34,010’260,421
- 2019 24,764’719,642
- 2020 25,658’798,449
- 2021 26,573’104,028
- 2022 29,564’150,670
- 2023 31,655’085,408
- 2024 33,170’745,272
The commission responsible for the sector
This week (Wednesday, November 6) the installation meeting of the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission is planned, which will primarily follow up on the Executive’s initiative. This commission will be chaired by deputy Eruviel Ávila Villegas. The participation of a member of each political party is scheduled, as well as the intervention of the president of the Board of Directors, deputy Sergio Gutiérrez Luna, and the president of the Political Coordination Board, deputy Ricardo Monreal Ávila. Dr. Rosaura Ruíz Gutiérrez, head of the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies, is also expected to be present.
