Building Human Capital in an Aging Mexico

Today, there are nine Mexican children for every Mexican elder—but by mid-century, there will be as many elders as children. The report explains how this stunning demographic transformation will reshape Mexico’s economy and society—and why it adds great urgency to its human capital agenda. Can strategic investments in education, worker training, and science and technology allow Mexico to boost living standards in advance of the age wave—or will it grow old before it grows rich? What are the implications for of its success or failure for cross-border trade, investment, and immigration? Are there potential demographic and economic synergies between Mexico and the United States?

The U.S. Mexico Binational Council, co-sponsored by CSIS and the Mexico City-based Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), is a high-level entity composed of distinguished citizens from both nations who share a commitment to fostering the U.S.-Mexico relationship. The publication of policy recommendations on the central issues dominating the binational agenda is the productive objective of the Council; at the strategic level, the Council reinforces the commitment of both nations to developing a collaborative agenda which addresses the challenges as well as the immense opportunities arising from the bilateral relationship.