How Cross-Sector Innovation Is Reshaping Investment in North America

When we think about Mexico’s role in the global economy, the conversation has traditionally focused on manufacturing, skilled labor, and logistical proximity to the United States. That mindset is now shifting. During STS Forum LATAM 2025, which Prodensa’s experts attended firsthand, global leaders from sectors as diverse as genomics, electromobility, fintech, and space technology outlined how technological convergence is opening new investment opportunities across the region.

This article is a continuation of that panel discussion. Based on the insights shared during the session, we are publishing this piece to provide business leaders and investors seeking to do business in Mexico with a clearer understanding of how cross-sector innovation is redefining the North American investment landscape.

The panel was not a theoretical conversation about science. It was a practical roadmap showing how the intersection of technologies is reshaping infrastructure, capital flows, risk management, and long-term competitiveness. For executives and manufacturing leaders looking to expand or consolidate operations in North America, understanding these points of convergence has become strategically critical.

Infrastructure Reimagined: Beyond Roads and Concrete

One of the most persistent myths investors encounter when evaluating Mexico relates to infrastructure. Concerns are often raised that road systems are too complex for advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, or that signage and standards lag behind.

Rohan Patel, an electromobility expert and member of the International Council on Clean Transportation, dismissed these concerns outright. Autonomous vehicles—whether buses, urban transport systems, or freight—will ultimately operate everywhere, regardless of today’s infrastructure challenges. The real risk, he argued, lies in failing to plan for this transition. Governments or companies that do not prepare risk falling behind both economically and strategically.

Beyond roads, the true inflection point lies in the power grid. Mexico’s electrical grid is set to grow exponentially, and electric vehicles will represent only a fraction of that expansion. The main drivers will be data centers, population growth, and, above all, industrial expansion.

An electrified transportation sector introduces significant flexibility into the system, helping manage rising demand. For manufacturing companies, this underscores the need for integrated energy planning—where private investment is encouraged and government plays an enabling role by removing barriers rather than creating them. Patel described himself as “very bullish” on Mexico and Latin America, a signal of confidence investors should not overlook.

Fintech and Regulation as Catalysts for Foreign Investment

Technology and regulation are often viewed as opposing forces. However, the case of Plata, a Mexico-based digital bank, tells a different story. Its founder, Neri Tollardo, noted that roughly half of Mexico’s population remains unbanked, while nearly two-thirds have limited access to formal credit.

This gap represents a massive opportunity—not only for financial services, but for the broader supply chains that depend on financially healthy suppliers. Importantly, Mexico’s regulatory framework is beginning to evolve in a constructive way.

“Technology companies often complain about regulation. Here, we actually welcome regulation that brings clarity and helps attract investment,” Tollardo explained.

Regulatory clarity enables large-scale investment. Over the past three years, this environment has allowed Plata to attract more than USD 1 billion in foreign investment into Mexico and create over 4,000 jobs. The company recently announced a USD 500 million credit line with one of Japan’s largest investment banks.

Investors are recognizing that Mexico is institutionally maturing to support disruptive business models. When regulation provides clarity, it becomes a competitive asset rather than a constraint.

Space Technology: The Invisible Layer of Modern Logistics

At first glance, space technology may seem disconnected from a manufacturing plant in the Bajío or northern Mexico. According to Heriberto Saldívar, Head of Strategy at the European Space Agency (ESA), the opposite is true.

Space infrastructure forms the invisible backbone of the modern economy. Navigation systems underpin last-mile logistics and freight transport. The global banking system relies on space-based atomic clocks to timestamp transactions and prevent fraud. Satellites generate more than 250 terabytes of data every day.

For Mexico—a major agricultural and seismic country—space-based Earth observation enables more precise climate monitoring, agricultural planning, and disaster resilience. For companies investing in the region, access to this technology and talent translates into stronger logistics, better risk management, and more resilient operations.

The Water–Energy–Food Nexus in Risk Management

Ismail Serageldin, Founding Director and Librarian Emeritus of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, addressed one of the most sensitive issues for industry: water. Latin America holds roughly one-third of the world’s freshwater resources, yet millions of people still lack reliable access.

For industry, water is not merely an input—it is an operational risk that must be actively managed. Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of water consumption, intensifying competition for remaining resources. Climate change further affects water infrastructure through droughts, floods, and extreme weather.

Technological and digital innovation is transforming the water sector, positioning the region as a testing ground for new solutions. However, technology alone is insufficient. Serageldin emphasized the need for a paradigm shift:

• Basin-based governance: Moving from fragmented projects to integrated watershed planning.

• The nexus approach: Recognizing the interdependence of water, energy, and food systems.

• Green financing: Leveraging green and blue bonds to expand investment in water infrastructure.

For companies, this reinforces the importance of integrating water efficiency and sustainability from the earliest stages of plant design, supported by the region’s growing digital monitoring capabilities.

Preventive Health and Genomics: The Future of the Workforce

Dr. David Kershenobich, Mexico’s Secretary of Health, focused on the quality and productivity of human capital. Mexico has seen rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—conditions that directly affect workforce stability.

The new era of healthcare emphasizes preventive risk assessment using artificial intelligence and genomics, identifying disease risk before symptoms emerge.

Mexico has developed biobanks containing more than 1.8 million genetic indicators, a critical asset given that only about 1% of global biobank samples are of Latin American origin. Precision medicine—such as stimulating insulin production rather than relying solely on injections—can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce.

The Mexican government’s current innovation agenda promotes science, biotechnology, and precision medicine, signaling long-term commitment to strengthening human capital as a pillar of competitiveness.

Data as the Common Thread

Across all panel discussions—from space technology to fintech—the unifying theme was data. Whether predicting climate patterns, extending credit, or preventing chronic disease, the ability to collect, process, and act on data is becoming a decisive advantage.

Motoko Kotani, Science and Technology Advisor to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the pace of AI advancement is such that what seems impossible today may be achievable tomorrow. This creates a significant opportunity for younger generations to mobilize new ideas and business models.

Cross-Sector Innovation:

The convergence of technologies, industries, and business models—such as manufacturing, fintech, space, energy, and biotechnology—to create new sources of value, efficiency, and investment opportunity.

Technology Convergence:

The integration of multiple advanced technologies (AI, data analytics, automation, space-based systems) into shared platforms that transform how industries operate and scale.

Innovation Ecosystems

Networks of companies, startups, universities, regulators, and investors that enable ideas to move from research to market and support sustained economic growth.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

The use of real-time data, analytics, and AI to guide investment, operational, and risk-management decisions across industries.

Why does cross-sector innovation matter for companies investing in Mexico?

Because competitive advantage increasingly depends on how well companies integrate technology, data, and regulation across multiple industries—not just within a single sector.

Is Mexico prepared to support these converging industries?

Yes. Mexico is strengthening its regulatory frameworks, talent base, and industrial ecosystems to support advanced technologies and cross-sector collaboration.

How does this trend affect site selection and expansion decisions?

It shifts the focus toward regions with resilient infrastructure, strong talent pipelines, and access to innovation networks.

What role do strategic partners play in this environment?

They help companies navigate complexity, align stakeholders, and translate innovation into executable investment projects.

• Cross-sector innovation is becoming a primary driver of investment decisions in North America.

• Mexico’s value proposition is evolving from cost efficiency to ecosystem integration and innovation readiness.

• Companies that plan for technology convergence early will gain long-term resilience and competitive advantage.

• Execution depends on local expertise that connects regulation, infrastructure, talent, and emerging technologies.