Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development of Tabasco in the Age of Global Change

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to determine the capacity in Technology and Innovation (STI) in the state of Tabasco, which lags behind other Mexican states in this field. The analysis is set within the context of Climate Change which is a factor that obliges the state to face the negative effects of this phenomenon and redefine its development model in accordance with criteria of sustainability; STI is offered as a strategic tool to address these challenges. The methodology consists of an approximation to the socio-environmental impacts of the current development model and the status of STI capabilities in the state. Results show that in the context of Global Change, Tabasco has to redefine its development model, which is currently anchored in hydrocarbons, to one with sustainable criteria. Technology and innovation are offered as a cornerstone for that new model; hence the urgency to strengthen scientific, technological and innovation capacities. The article provides a scientific-technological dimension to the problem of Global Change, which is frequently omitted by political and academic actors in Tabasco, and suggests a base from which to build a new development model.