Global Immersion: Bridge of the Americas

Mexico is the U.S. largest trading partner and also the largest economy in the Spanish speaking Latin America. Its strategic position, offers a complex and dynamic business environment with rich opportunities resulting from its geographic proximity to the United States, and its pivotal role in the Latin American innovation ecosystem. These opportunities are accelerated by the changing geopolitical forces shaping global trade, and the rapid adoption of technology and artificial intelligence across financial services, e-commerce, healthcare, education, among other sectors. Mexico, however, has faced hard-to-solve challenges limiting its growth and development potential, including chronic inequality, weak legal institutions, high corruption levels, insecurity, among others.
The objectives of this course are twofold. First, to develop an informed perspective of the critical partnership between the United States and Mexico resulting from their geographic proximity, shared border and security concerns, cultural and social ties, deep economic integration, common environmental challenges, and collaboration in the promotion of regional stability. Second, to analyze the challenges and opportunities facing new and growing entrepreneurs in emerging markets, with focus on the Mexican business and innovation ecosystems. The class will assess a combination of established business models with emerging tech-enabled companies and will provide direct opportunities to interact with business leaders, founders, financiers and other important figures in Mexico.