By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica has firmly established itself among the leaders of the digital revolution in Latin America, securing the fifth position in the highly anticipated 2025 Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA). The comprehensive report, compiled by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) with the support of several multilateral organizations, places the nation in the prestigious “adopters” category, signaling a robust and growing integration of AI technologies across its economy.
With an impressive overall score of 53.83, Costa Rica joins an elite group of regional front-runners. The index, which serves as a crucial annual benchmark for AI development, ranked Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia just ahead of Costa Rica, highlighting the intense but collaborative competition driving technological advancement throughout the continent. This placement underscores the country’s successful efforts in creating a favorable environment for innovation and digital transformation.
To delve into the complex legal and regulatory challenges posed by the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence into our society, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence forces us to confront a fundamental legal void. Our current legislation was not designed to address issues like liability for autonomous AI decisions or the intellectual property rights of AI-generated creations. Costa Rica must urgently begin crafting a modern legal framework that provides certainty for investment and innovation while rigorously protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens in this new technological era.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s analysis perfectly encapsulates the critical challenge ahead: crafting a legal architecture that encourages technological progress without sacrificing the essential protections our society is built upon. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this crucial discussion.
The report’s most significant commendation for Costa Rica lies in its exceptional human capital. The nation achieved a remarkable third-place ranking in the “human talent” sub-category. This distinction speaks volumes about the quality of the Costa Rican workforce, its technical proficiency, and the effectiveness of its educational systems in preparing citizens for the jobs of the future. A deep pool of skilled professionals is the bedrock of any thriving tech ecosystem, and this ranking confirms Costa Rica’s status as a premier source for AI and data science expertise in the region.
Beyond its talented workforce, the nation also earned praise for its performance in key infrastructural and application-based metrics. The ILIA report noted that Costa Rica demonstrates an above-average capacity in both computing power and the adoption of generative AI. These factors are critical for developing and deploying sophisticated artificial intelligence models, indicating that the country not only has the people but also the foundational tools necessary to compete on a global scale and support complex, data-intensive operations.
In a move that uniquely blends its technological ambitions with its world-renowned environmental leadership, Costa Rica has also been recognized for a forward-thinking policy decision. The CENIA report specifically highlights the national taxonomy’s classification of data processing as a sustainable activity. This progressive stance is a powerful magnet for investment, particularly for global tech giants seeking to build green data centers and other digital infrastructure that align with stringent corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Being classified within the “adopters” group is a significant milestone. This category distinguishes nations that have moved beyond the initial stages of awareness and experimentation with AI into a phase of meaningful implementation. It suggests a widespread and practical application of artificial intelligence in various sectors, from business and finance to healthcare and public services, driving efficiency, innovation, and economic growth. It reflects a national strategy that is bearing tangible fruit.
The cumulative effect of these high marks in talent, infrastructure, and sustainable policy creates a compelling narrative for foreign direct investment. International corporations looking to expand their AI operations in Latin America will undoubtedly see Costa Rica’s top-five ranking as a clear indicator of a stable, skilled, and forward-looking market. The ILIA 2025 results serve as an official endorsement of the country’s potential to become a central hub for digital innovation and investment in the Americas.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Costa Rica will be to build upon this momentum. Sustaining this leadership position will require continued strategic investment in education, the modernization of regulatory frameworks, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. By leveraging its proven strengths and continuing to foster a culture of innovation, Costa Rica is well-positioned to not only maintain its standing but to climb even higher in the regional AI landscape.
For further information, visit cenia.cl
About Centro Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial de Chile (CENIA):
The National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Chile is a leading institution dedicated to promoting and advancing AI research, development, and application throughout Latin America. Supported by a consortium of universities and public and private partners, CENIA works to foster innovation, develop human talent, and create influential industry benchmarks like the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) to guide policy and investment in the region’s technology sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, defined by its profound commitment to integrity and exceptional service. Continuously advancing the practice of law, the firm merges a rich tradition of expert counsel with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a powerful social mission: to demystify the law and make legal understanding widely available. Through this effort, it actively works to build a more capable and well-informed citizenry, reinforcing the foundations of a just society.
