A recent report published by the country’s economic development agency Procomer found that 76% of Costa Rican companies are using generative AI tools
Like elsewhere in Latin America, the picturesque Central American nation of Costa Rica — more well known for its flora and fauna than microchips and processors — has been looking to artificial intelligence (AI) to help modernize public services and upskill its workforce to be better equipped for an increasingly digital global economy.
A recent report published by the country’s economic development agency Procomer found that 76% of Costa Rican companies are using generative AI tools. The survey, which analyzed a sample of 86 companies, found that 33% are developing solutions based on generative artificial intelligence (genAI) and “37% carry out formal activities in the area of artificial intelligence, including machine learning, intelligent digital agents, and natural language processing.”
The outgoing administration of Rodrigo Chaves — who leaves office in May — issued its first AI strategy in 2024. The strategy aims to promote ethical frameworks for AI regulation, upskilling populations for responsible AI use, using AI to improve public sector services, and encourage research and development with AI across different sectors.
The country’s Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications, Paula Bogantes Zamora, said the Chaves administration was committed to the technology as a key step towards strengthening the country’s competitiveness and positioning it within the global discussion about AI.
“When the current administration took office, Costa Rica did not have a national roadmap in this area,” Bogantes told Latin Times. “Faced with this situation, the government designed a strategy that sets out objectives, priorities and actions to integrate artificial intelligence across various sectors. This approach aims to ensure that the technology benefits the public sector, the productive sector and the general public.”
