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Special Initiatives

In addition to its five key issue areas, the Mexico Institute works on several special initiatives.

More Initiatives

  • Since 2013, the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Fundación IDEA, the Mexican Chamber of Federal Deputies and the Mexican Chamber of Senators have worked together to create spaces where a restricted and select group of Mexican federal senators and deputies can debate with legislators from other countries and experts on ideas, legislative initiatives and public policy recommendations that trigger innovation in the country.

    The High-Level Innovation Forums for Mexican Policymakers are closed-door events that bring together Mexican legislators from all political parties working on issues related to innovation. These events include panels and discussion tables with businessmen, entrepreneurs, legislators, politicians and other national and foreign experts on the subject, where trends and barriers to innovation in Mexico are discussed. It also addresses possible legislative initiatives that will enhance the regulatory and normative environment for innovation in the country; and it offers legislators the opportunity to get to know business and academic innovation centers.

    The Forum is held annually, on selected dates that are compatible with the Mexican legislative calendar. The venue is chosen to favor the presence of experts in the specific topics to be discussed in the Forum. Up to date, there have been six editions, where US venues have been privileged, taking into consideration the country's historical reputation in terms of its capacity to promote innovation, as well as its geographical proximity.

    More About the High-Level Innovation Forum for Mexican Policymakers

    For more information on our Innovation Forum or for Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Samantha.Kane@Wilsoncenter.org

  • The Woodrow Wilson Award is given to those individuals whose actions and accomplishments, either in their careers or through service, reflect President Woodrow Wilson’s belief that “there is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.” Such individuals have been recognized worldwide by The Wilson Center since 1998.

    Previous Mexico Institute awardees have included:

    2004- Don Lorenzo Servitje Sendra

    2005- Lorenzo H. Zambrano

    2007- Licencado Don Alberto Bailléres González

    2008- Don Eugenio Garza Lagüera

    2010- Alfredo Achar Tussie, Miguel Mancera Aguayo

    2011- Javier Bours Almada and Alejandro Marti Garcia

    2013- Guadalupe Arizpe de De la Vega and Federico Terrazas Torres

    2014- Claudio X. González Laporte, Ambassador Carla Hills, and Dr. Jaime Serra Puche

    2016 - Don Antonio del Valle Ruiz, Don Fernando Solana (RIP)

    2018 - Don Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal, Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa

    2019 - Juan Ignacio Gallardo Thurlow, Marta Sánchez Soler, and Antonio Madero Bracho

  • The Wilson Center organizes frequent briefings on the Hill to bring analysis and discussion of US-Mexico policy options to US congressional audiences.  Mexico Institute experts have also given testimonies before Congress.