Technological development in Costa Rica: a current perspective

Connectivity and Internet access

Although, as of September 2021, the percentage of Costa Rica’s population with access to high-speed Internet stood at approximately 45% to 50%, high-speed Internet access has been a priority for the Costa Rican government. The expansion of infrastructure and initiatives to bring Internet access to rural areas have allowed many Costa Ricans to access information and opportunities online. This has fueled online sales growth and lets local businesses expand their reach.

Investments in technology and education

Costa Rica has made significant investments in technology and education. These investments have translated into the development of a highly skilled workforce and growth in the number of technology companies.

The Costa Rican government has promoted the creation of technology parks and free zones that house national and international companies, promoting innovation and economic development. Technological development in Costa Rica is evidenced by the in-country presence of several globally recognized firms. Among them are:

Intel Corporation: Intel is one of the most prominent technology companies in Costa Rica. They established a significant manufacturing and assembly operation in the country, producing microprocessors and other electronic components.

Hewlett-Packard (HP): HP has a presence in Costa Rica with customer support, technology services, and business process outsourcing operations.

IBM: IBM has a technology services delivery center in Costa Rica, providing IT services and support to clients worldwide.

Amazon: The e-commerce giant Amazon has customer service centers in Costa Rica, supporting its customers in different regions.

Accenture: Accenture, a global management consulting and professional services firm, has a delivery center in Costa Rica, providing technology and business solutions to clients.

Microsoft: Microsoft has a presence in Costa Rica, primarily focused on customer support and services.

VMware: VMware, a leading software company specializing in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, has a presence in Costa Rica.

Infosys: Infosys, an IT services and consulting company, has set up a technology delivery center in Costa Rica.

Sykes Enterprises: Sykes, a multinational business process outsourcing company, has a significant presence in Costa Rica, providing customer support and services for various clients.

Cognizant: Cognizant, a multinational IT services and consulting company, has a delivery center in Costa Rica.

Intelixit: A Costa Rican software development company providing IT solutions and services.

GFT Technologies: GFT is a global IT services and software engineering company with a presence in Costa Rica.

Development of technological startups

In recent years, Costa Rica has experienced a boom in technology startups. These startups span various industries, including software development, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

The Costa Rican startup ecosystem has been supported by several government and private programs that offer financing, training, and resources to help companies grow and prosper. Some of the programs that foster technological development in Costa Rica include:

Law 7799 for the Promotion of Competitiveness and Innovation: This law promotes research, development, and innovation activities in Costa Rica. It offers tax incentives for research and development (R&D) companies. Eligible companies can deduct a percentage of their R&D expenses from their income tax.

Seed Capital Fund: The Costa Rican government has established a Seed Capital Fund (Fondo de Capital Semilla) to support early-stage startups. This fund provides financial resources and investments to innovative startups, helping them grow and develop their ideas.

Acceleration and Incubation Programs: Several public and private organizations run acceleration and incubation programs to support startups. These programs offer mentorship, training, office space, and access to networks and investors, helping startups to develop their business ideas and become more competitive.

Booming digital marketing

Technological development in Costa Rica has resulted in an environment in which digital marketing has gained significant importance. This state of affairs is thanks to the growing penetration of the Internet and the widespread use of social networks.

Costa Rican companies have adopted various digital marketing strategies, such as online advertising, content marketing, and social media, to reach new customers and stay competitive in the global marketplace.

Impact of technological development in Costa Rica on society

The growth in technology and marketing in Costa Rica has significantly impacted society. Digitization has generated greater inclusion and access to information and employment opportunities.

Likewise, education in technology has allowed many young Costa Ricans to acquire valuable skills that will enable them to compete in the global labor market. The country’s commitment to technology education is reflected in its efforts to improve the overall digital literacy of its population. Costa Rica has been working to close the digital divide and increase access to technology and information for all citizens, further enhancing the technology education landscape in the country.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the advances in technological development in Costa Rica, there are still challenges that the country must face. The digital divide, especially in rural areas and low-income communities, remains an issue that requires continued attention.

In addition, it is essential to focus on the education and training of the Costa Rican workforce to ensure that the workers’ skills are aligned with the market’s demands.

On the other hand, Costa Rica also faces significant opportunities in the technological and marketing field. As the country continues to develop its digital infrastructure and support startups, there is great potential for economic growth and job creation.

Additionally, by strengthening the online presence of local businesses and expanding their reach in the global marketplace, Costa Rican companies can increase their competitiveness and generate higher revenues.

Undoubtedly, Costa Rica has experienced remarkable technological development in a reasonably short time. The country has positioned itself as an important benchmark in Latin America through investments in education and digital infrastructure.