Considering the relevance of the energy policy and a sustainable management of natural resources (renewable and non-renewable) and that they require a multidisciplinary approach where social sciences provide tools that complement the traditional analysis of natural sciences and technology, ITAM has created the ITAM Center for Energy and Natural Resources.

The globalization phenomenon tests the ability of States to manage and maintain their institutions in a complex geopolitical environment. It is precisely in this context that the decisions of the State and the strategic design of public policies appear to be forged beyond national boundaries.

In terms of energy policy, Mexico now faces the challenge of fostering the development of a competitive industry as a necessary condition of the national economic development. The prevailing opinion is that competition will generate significant benefits through an increased income generation that will strengthen public finances, higher levels of investment, job creation, and a more efficient supply system for the energy production, which is an essential element for competitiveness and energy security.

The transition from a system based on the exclusivity of the State for the major energy activities to a model based on competition that involves more active participation of the private sector poses unprecedented challenges to the Mexican State. In this sense, it is essential to ensure a healthy balance between economic development and protection of the rights of future generations in a context of a harmonious and sustainable development with environment and communities.

Consequently, it is necessary to constantly review regulatory models, strengthen the regulatory and supervisory faculties of the State, create new models of public and private investment, as well as a transit from the public bodies that today are responsible for production into the national and international market.

In terms of sustainable management of natural resources, the challenges affect not only an economic dimension but also a technological and socio-political one, which requires the creation of public policies and the design of environmental policy instruments that take into account the welfare of present and future generations. Among the important issues that need to be addressed in the design of public policies are water management, levels of emissions to the atmosphere, waste management, climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity, and the effects and mitigation mechanisms of high activity levels in the communities.