The aim of this article is to demonstrate that the slightly favorable economic environmet is, often, the incentive for major innovations. From the critical realism perspective, ind-depth interviews were carried on key informants, and questionnaires were applied to a random simple of businessmen. The a typical cases were also analyzed. Among the principal results, it was shown that the lack of investment for research+development+innovation (R+D+I) in Mexico has led to the auto parts industry of Mexico losing competitiveness. Some smaller companies that innovated increased their competitiveness at international level. The conclusión is that innovation in conducting a business is fundamental, in order for the Company that it is in an unfavorable economic environment to increase its international competitiveness
