Universities, mainly those that invest in technology and development, have “knitted” a stream or path to be followed, based on the needs of governments and companies. As a matter of fact the Triple Helix is another sample of joint effort to help a given society achieve sustainable development. In developing countries, such as ours, efforts must be doubled on those premises that in the immediate future will decide the success or failure of a given public policy; and this is why support from the several sectors in society is required, including, of course, universities, to achieve an accelerated development.

Universities provide what they can do best, generating knowledge that will turn into a knowledge-based economy. Companies, on the other hand, generate a larger value added, which translates into more and better paid jobs. And the Government’s task is generating more favorable conditions for businessmen and entrepreneurs. Only in this way will a better-balanced economic development be achieved; otherwise, any unbalance that arises or could arise will have a deep effect. Growth must be even, or it will cause inequality, as happens in most societies in developing countries; bringing significant social differences that could even cause social unbalance and lead to violence, as has happened in other societies in the world or that have been the reason for revolutions.

Mexico’s north regions have a very peculiar characteristic; they are in a development level quite higher than not only most of the other states in Mexico, but also way above many countries in the rest of Latin America. The main reasons, in addition to our work culture, are the population’s education level, which is higher than the national mean, and the joint synergy of the Triple Helix which helps achieving a sustainable development of economic growth and, even at a slower pace, social development; though I would dare to say that this is precisely where efforts must be doubled, precisely in social development because it is here where the society’s – and henceforth the family’s – welfare is found.

I am positive that joint effort by universities, government and industry is one of the best, or maybe the very best, strategy not only to progress as a state, but also in the consolidation of a knowledge-based economy. Not many societies, as we have mentioned, can afford the luxury to take advantage of the Triple Helix in virtue of the strength found in all three sectors, the North of Mexico meets this requirement, of which we must take the best advantage and translate it into tangible benefits for our society.