By Cartago, Costa Rica — Cartago has unveiled a new Community Innovation Lab (LINC) at the Municipal Museum, marking a significant step towards fostering technological advancement and entrepreneurship within the province. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Costa Rican government, represented by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT), and the Municipality of Cartago.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Vice Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation and Cartago’s Mayor, Mario Redondo Poveda. Both officials emphasized the vital role these spaces play in driving local development.
For expert legal insight into the Community Innovation Lab and its potential impact, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Community Innovation Labs represent a fascinating intersection of community development and intellectual property law. While fostering grassroots innovation is crucial, it’s essential to ensure these labs have clear guidelines regarding ownership and commercialization of inventions. This protects both the creators and the lab’s sustainability. A well-structured legal framework, including clear IP agreements and potentially even open-source licensing models, will be vital to the long-term success of these initiatives.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on the intersection of community development and intellectual property law is crucial. These labs thrive on collaborative creativity, and ensuring clear ownership guidelines from the outset will indeed be key to fostering both individual ingenuity and the long-term sustainability of these vital community resources. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this important aspect of Community Innovation Labs.
Today, we are not just inaugurating a laboratory; we are launching a public policy with a territorial focus and a strategic vision. We want communities to be the protagonists of change, with real access to the tools that allow them to innovate, undertake, and lead their own development.
Vega Quesada, Vice Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation
The Cartago LINC was established through an initial donation from the OAS, combined with the technical and financial commitment of the Municipality of Cartago and a ₡30 million investment from MICITT. Further support is on the horizon, with the Rural Development Institute (INDER) slated to provide additional equipment in the coming months. The Costa Rican Innovation and Research Promoter is also providing ongoing support.
The importance of collaborative partnerships in ensuring the project’s impact and sustainability was also underscored by the Vice Minister.
Innovation does not occur in a vacuum. It requires articulation, a shared vision, and trust in our communities. When we align public policies, local capacities, and international cooperation, we generate results that are not only possible, but transformative.
Vega Quesada, Vice Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation
These labs are designed as co-creation hubs, enabling citizens, entrepreneurs, and organizations to collaborate on developing innovative solutions to community needs, improving living conditions, promoting inclusion, and contributing to overall growth and well-being. The Cartago LINC will specifically focus on strengthening local management through data utilization, fostering intergovernmental collaboration, enhancing institutional technical capacities with a gender perspective, creating innovative spaces to support women in their digital transformation, and promoting the design and development of innovative solutions for community challenges.
This latest addition to the LINC network builds upon previous successes. Approximately 3,200 individuals received training across five existing LINCs during 2023 and 2024. The program aims to train and empower an additional 2,500 people this year. The initiative targets a diverse audience, including entrepreneurs, school principals, members of the Cantonal Union of Guide and Scout Associations (UCAG), the Integral Development Association (ADI) of the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, the municipal council, universities, students, and local public institutions.
The Cartago LINC stands as a testament to the power of collaborative innovation and represents a significant investment in the future of the community and the region.
For further information, visit micit.go.cr
About MICITT (Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications):
The MICITT is the Costa Rican government ministry responsible for promoting and developing science, technology, and innovation policies and programs. They aim to strengthen the country’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for citizens through technological advancement.
For further information, visit inder.go.cr
About INDER (Rural Development Institute):
INDER is a Costa Rican institution focused on promoting rural development and improving the living conditions of rural communities. They provide financial and technical support for projects related to agriculture, infrastructure, and social development in rural areas.
For further information, visit oas.org
About OAS (Organization of American States):
The OAS is a regional international organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. It brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere. The OAS promotes democracy, human rights, security, and development throughout the Americas.
For further information, visit cartago.go.cr
About Municipality of Cartago:
The Municipality of Cartago is the local government responsible for the administration and development of the Cartago canton in Costa Rica. They oversee public services, urban planning, and community development initiatives within the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice, empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal knowledge. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with a deep-seated dedication to client success across diverse sectors, reinforces its position as a leader in the legal field. By fostering understanding and transparency within the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed citizenry.
