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Social Innovation Country Report:
Mexico
In Mexico, there is an official, legally recognized definition of social innovation.
Legal and Policy Frameworks

Mexico has adopted the following legal frameworks, strategies, and vision documents related to social innovation:

  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Social Innovation
  • Social Businesses
  • Social [and Solidarity] Economy
Current stage of implementation:
Stage7: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy

with

  • Stage1: “No Policy or Recognition: No formal recognition, discussion, or policy exists. The sector operates informally or without government involvement.”;
  • Stage2: “Initial Discussions & Awareness: The government acknowledges the sector and has started discussions or consultations, but no formal policy framework or regulation exists.”;
  • Stage3: “Draft Policy or Framework in Development: A draft policy, strategy, or regulatory framework is currently being developed. The government may be conducting research, stakeholder consultations, or legislative drafting.”;
  • Stage4: “Pilot Programs or Limited Implementation: Some initiatives, pilot projects, or partial government-backed programs exist, but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Policies may be tested in select regions or for specific groups.”;
  • Stage5: “Policy Adopted but Not Fully Implemented: A formal law, policy, or regulation has been passed, but it has not been fully implemented, enforced, or funded. Gaps in execution may still exist.”;
  • Stage6: “Policy in Effect & Actively Implemented: The policy is fully enacted and actively being implemented. There is clear government support, funding, and enforcement mechanisms in place.”;
  • Stage7: “Policy Reviewed & Strengthened: The existing policy has been evaluated and improved over time based on feedback, data, or evolving needs. New funding, incentives, or structural reforms may have been introduced.”; and
  • Stage8: “Leading in Policy Innovation: The country is recognized as a leader in this policy area, with best practices, strong regulatory frameworks, and incentives that actively promote and support the sector.”
Ecosystem Actors
Key Actors in the Ecosystem

The leading actors driving social innovation in Mexico include government ministries, social enterprises, NGOs, philanthropic institutions, academia, and other ecosystem builders. The top three most influential actors are:

  • Government entity (ministries/agencies)
  • Social entreprises & social innovateurs (Impact hubs)
  • Academic and research centers

Examples: The principal actor is INAES, National Institute of Social Economy. Among with it, we have NODESS (social organizations that spread and strengthen social economy in alliances with universities and non profit organizations)

Education and Capacity Building

Formal and informal education programs that support social innovation exist in the following forms in Mexico:

  • Government-supported training programs:“ The government has launched or funded capacity-building programs, incubators, or skill-development initiatives to support social innovation.

Examples:

  • In INAES we provide programs that focus on build skills of social innovation to all kind of cooperatives
Coordinating Bodies

A centralized body responsible for coordinating social innovation efforts across sectors does not exist in Mexico.

Details:

INAES the National institute of social economy is the government office responsible of getting together all the actor public and private that want to collaborate in social economy

Ecosystem Communication
The level of communication and coordination among key actors in Mexico’s social innovation ecosystem is currently Extensive:“ strong collaboration with regular communication and joint initiatives.
Support Mechanisms for Policy and Finance
Policy Incentives and Support Mechanisms

To support social innovation, Mexico has implemented the following incentives and mechanisms:

  • Government-backed funding programs (e.g., grants, subsidies, social impact funds)
Financing Mechanisms

Social innovation in Mexico is financed through a variety of mechanisms including:

  • Social impact funds & social bonds
  • International funding (e.g., EU/bilateral/multilateral funds)
Impact
Flagship Programs and Achievements
International Collaborations
Tech for Good Innovations
Impact Measurement Frameworks
Economic Contribution of Social Innovation
Reports on Social Impact
Policy Momentum
Barriers to Growth
Collaborative Ideas
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