La paradoja de la Proximidad: Complejidad Económica e Integración Binacional en la frontera México-Estados Unidos
Abstract
This article examines, from an economic complexity perspective, the conditions that have limited Baja California’s ability to take advantage of its geographic and productive proximity to California. Despite its long-standing role in export manufacturing and its participation in global value chains, the state continues to face difficulties in generating greater local value added, developing its own technological capabilities, and strengthening collaboration among firms, universities, and government. Drawing on a review of the literature on economic complexity, regional innovation, and cross-border integration, the article examines Baja California’s productive dynamics in relation to California’s economic and technological environment. The analysis shows that geographic proximity provides an advantage, but is not sufficient to move toward more sophisticated activities. Three areas are proposed to address this situation: strengthening governance and institutional coordination, developing human capital and science-technology linkages, and promoting cross-border co-production together with the upgrading of local suppliers. The ability to capitalize on the Cali-Baja region depends on Baja California’s capacity to turn its proximity to California into knowledge, innovation, and greater local value creation.
proximity to California into knowledge, innovation, and greater local value creation.
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References
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