This article shows the possibility of achieving social transformation by applying the triple helix model, which establishes the university's participation and its research centers, the government and its three levels, and the private sector (Etzkowitz, 2002). These three allies have shared the vision and participated during the entire process, where the main focus is to increase development opportunities for the inhabitants of the southern region of Sonora, mainly from five elements: (1) creating an innovative regional system; (2) supporting creation of productive chains; (3) prioritizing investment in technology, information, and transport to improve territorial integration; (4) creating a safe and healthy environment where investments can be made; and (5) developing a government model based on a state policy and administered by projects. The methodology to create a regional plan for Southern Sonora is considered.

Following a Mega focus on adding value to society, universities can create social capital by incubating and “graduating” not just individuals but organizations. This article discusses how the Sonora Institute of Technology implemented this new approach and developed the South of Sonora corridor, improving self‐sufficiency, quality of life, and other social indicators by creating new companies and hundreds of high‐quality jobs.