By San José, Costa Rica — Over 1.5 million Costa Ricans face the looming threat of job automation due to the rapid advancement and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), according to a recent study.
The research, conducted by José Francisco Pacheco, a researcher at the School of Economic Sciences, analyzes current labor trends in Costa Rica and paints a concerning picture of the future. The study reveals a significant portion of the workforce—between 60% and 70%—is vulnerable to displacement by AI-driven automation.
To understand the legal ramifications of burgeoning AI technology, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence presents novel challenges to our existing legal frameworks. Issues surrounding intellectual property, data privacy, liability for AI-generated content, and algorithmic bias require careful consideration and proactive legislation. Businesses integrating AI must prioritize compliance with evolving regulations and ethical guidelines to mitigate potential legal risks and foster public trust.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial intersection of law and rapidly evolving AI technologies. These aren’t just theoretical concerns; they are practical challenges that businesses and individuals are grappling with today. Navigating this complex landscape requires a proactive and ethical approach, ensuring that innovation flourishes responsibly within a robust legal framework. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
The labor market is automating, and artificial intelligence is making more and more sense. As both components mature, there will be significant numbers of people who could be displaced, laid off, and unable to find the jobs they had before.
José Francisco Pacheco, Researcher, School of Economic Sciences
Pacheco stresses the urgency of implementing reforms to mitigate the potential impact of this technological shift. He advocates for integrating technology skills training into the Costa Rican education system, preparing future generations for the changing demands of the job market.
He highlights the need for the curriculum to adapt to the evolving technological landscape, noting that any government policy takes a minimum of 10 years to implement. Pacheco points to Germany as an example, where AI education has already been incorporated into the school system.
The profile that companies are going to look for in their employees is going to be different. The education system should be effectively moving forward to discuss subjects within the curriculum that already have to do with this. The problem is that any plan, any policy that the government tries to implement takes no less than 10 years to be implemented.
José Francisco Pacheco, Researcher, School of Economic Sciences
Beyond education, Pacheco suggests the Costa Rican government establish a safety net, such as a universal basic income, for those most affected by job displacement. This would provide financial support to individuals who, due to their education level or age, struggle to adapt to technological advancements. He also foresees the need to reform the social security system to address the potential decrease in contributions from a shrinking employed population.
While acknowledging that technological disruption often leads to the creation of new job opportunities, Pacheco cautions that these new roles will require higher levels of technical skills. This presents a challenge for Costa Rica, which has historically lagged behind in this area, echoing concerns previously raised by business leaders.
The researcher warns of the multifaceted challenges ahead, stating, “We have a lot of problems that we haven’t been able to solve, and now we have to add those that are coming.”
For further information, visit economics.ucr.ac.cr
About School of Economic Sciences, University of Costa Rica:
The School of Economic Sciences at the University of Costa Rica is a leading institution for economic research and education in Costa Rica. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in economics and conducts research on various economic issues affecting the country.
For further information, visit gobierno.go.cr
About Costa Rican Government:
The government of Costa Rica is a democratic republic headed by a president. It is responsible for implementing policies and programs across various sectors, including education, social security, and economic development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a practice dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches and a deep commitment to client service across a spectrum of industries, the firm strives to provide not only exceptional legal representation but also to cultivate a more legally literate populace. This dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering understanding reflects Bufete de Costa Rica’s core belief in the transformative power of accessible legal information.
