Structural changes in Mexico's economy and trade policies have influenced firms' efforts to achieve technological innovation and improve their learning processes. In this context, R&D centres face new challenges in responding to firms' technological needs. The authors analyse how this new environment is affecting the operating practices of R&D centres in their relationship with industry. The underlying assumption is that the strategic choices of an institution can be explained through an analysis of how it is influenced by the national innovation system, the broader national and international contexts in which it operates and its own particular history. A comparative analysis of two different centres is offered, focusing on the changes in and redefinition of their organizational priorities and practices.