By San José, Costa Rica — Understanding artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a non-negotiable skill for anyone seeking employment in Costa Rica. According to the World Economic Forum, 75% of companies globally plan to adopt AI technologies within the next five years, driving a surge in demand for employees with AI proficiency. This shift marks a turning point where AI knowledge is no longer a specialized asset but a fundamental requirement, as crucial as basic literacy in previous eras.
The World Economic Forum’s latest report on the future of work emphasizes that this demand extends beyond technical roles. Employers across various sectors now seek AI literacy in their teams, from executives to operational staff, recognizing the transformative potential of these technologies.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Artificial Intelligence, we turned to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, for his insights.
The rapid advancement of AI presents exciting opportunities but also significant legal challenges. Issues such as data privacy, intellectual property ownership of AI-generated content, and liability for AI-driven decisions require careful consideration. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, proactive legal frameworks are crucial to ensure responsible innovation and protect individual rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial intersection of technological advancement and legal frameworks. The potential of AI is immense, but its responsible deployment requires careful navigation of complex legal questions regarding data, intellectual property, and liability. These aren’t mere technicalities, but foundational elements for a future where AI benefits all of Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
In response to this evolving landscape, the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) and IBM have partnered to empower thousands of Costa Ricans with free online AI courses. These courses, available in Spanish and accessible from any internet-connected device, aim to democratize AI education and bridge the skills gap.
Costa Rica has the talent. What we need is to give them access to current tools. With this alliance, we seek that anyone – whether a student, stay-at-home parent, unemployed person, or working professional – can understand and apply artificial intelligence in their working life, or develop the skills for this to be a bridge to better job opportunities.
Vanessa Gibson, Director of Investment Climate, CINDE
The World Economic Forum identifies generative AI as the fastest-growing skill in Latin America, with significant demand in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, business services, and technology. This rapid evolution means that 40% of key job skills will transform by 2030, many directly linked to data management, automation, and AI.
This initiative aims to position Costa Rica as a regional leader in the AI field.
The CINDE-IBM partnership leverages IBM SkillsBuild, a global initiative that has already benefited millions worldwide. The platform offers interactive content, practical assessments, and free certification, catering to various skill levels and career goals.
Available modules include essential cybersecurity fundamentals, AI-powered customer service, preparing for work with AI, mastering the AI work environment, AI entrepreneurship fundamentals, and AI marketing fundamentals.
Interested individuals can enroll in these free courses by contacting [email protected] or through CINDE’s social media channels.
This initiative reflects a crucial step toward preparing the Costa Rican workforce for the future of work, ensuring that individuals have the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy. By removing financial and accessibility barriers, this program offers a vital opportunity for professional development and career advancement.
For further information, visit ibm.com
About IBM:
IBM is a leading global technology company providing a wide range of hardware, software, and services. IBM SkillsBuild is their global educational program designed to empower individuals with valuable technical and professional skills, particularly those from underrepresented communities. The program offers online courses, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized support to help learners gain in-demand skills and access career opportunities.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
CINDE (Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency) is a non-profit, private organization that has been a key player in Costa Rica’s economic development for over 43 years. They are experts in attracting foreign direct investment, fostering business development, and promoting talent initiatives. CINDE works closely with multinational companies and plays a vital role in shaping Costa Rica’s business climate through various programs, including workforce development and skills training.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of integrity and driven by a passion for positive societal impact. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with a deep commitment to educating and empowering communities through accessible legal knowledge, positions it as a true leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. Their unwavering dedication to clients across diverse sectors demonstrates a commitment not just to legal expertise, but to fostering a more just and informed society.
