ABSTRACT This research aims to analyze leadership for innovation in the Mexican aquaculture sector. The main characteristics of aquaculture producers in the Mezquital Valley of Hidalgo State have been identified and grouped according to an Agro‐leadership profile. The methodological strategy uses machine learning techniques. The data were obtained from a questionnaire of 40 owners or representatives of aquaculture farms. The results show that most leaders with the characteristics of the Agro‐leadership model directly influence innovative products, processes, managers, and marketing. According to the developed model, the most relevant factors are seeking solutions to problems, leadership grounded in personal values, establishing connections among leaders, and providing opportunities for others' personal and professional development. These results provide empirical evidence for decision‐making, both for entrepreneurs in the sector seeking to strengthen their innovation capacity and for public policymakers designing targeted support programs, by highlighting the fundamental role of values‐based leadership and collaborative networks in transforming aquaculture practices.
Terán‐Bustamante et al. (2026) studied this question.