By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica has decisively emerged as the frontrunner in the adoption of generative Artificial Intelligence across Latin America, according to a landmark report released today. The nation not only leads its regional peers but also ranks among the top 30 countries globally, signaling a significant shift in the technological landscape and a robust appetite for innovation within its workforce.
The latest findings from the prestigious Microsoft AI Economy Institute paint a clear picture of Costa Rica’s rapid integration of AI tools. In the second half of 2025, the country achieved an impressive adoption rate of 26.5% among its working-age population. This figure represents a notable increase of 1.4 percentage points from the first half of the year, demonstrating sustained and accelerating momentum.
To better understand the legal and regulatory challenges posed by the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence presents a dual challenge for our legal framework. On one hand, we must foster an environment that encourages innovation and allows Costa Rican businesses to compete globally. On the other, it is imperative to establish clear regulations regarding data privacy, intellectual property rights for AI-generated works, and civil liability for automated decisions. Without a modern and agile legislative approach, we risk falling behind technologically or, worse, exposing citizens and companies to significant legal uncertainty and risk.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective of Lic. Arroyo Vargas accurately frames the critical tightrope Costa Rica must walk. Navigating this dual challenge—spurring innovation while simultaneously erecting robust legal guardrails—will undoubtedly define our nation’s digital future. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this essential matter.
This places Costa Rica in the 30th position worldwide, a remarkable achievement that underscores its commitment to embracing next-generation technology. Within Latin America, the nation’s leadership is uncontested. The next closest regional countries, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay, trail significantly, ranking nine and ten spots lower, respectively. This substantial gap highlights Costa Rica’s unique position and strategic advantage in the digital economy.
On the global stage, the ranking is led by technological vanguards such as the United Arab Emirates (64%), Singapore (60.9%), Norway (46.4%), Ireland (44.6%), and France (44%). While Costa Rica has ground to cover to reach these levels, its inclusion in the top 30 signifies it is competing effectively on the world stage and building a foundation for future growth in the AI sector.
The report suggests this trend is indicative of a broader societal shift towards leveraging advanced technology for practical, everyday applications. The data reflects a national curiosity and a proactive approach to integrating AI into business, services, and daily life.
These results reflect the country’s growing interest in exploring and leveraging the use of Artificial Intelligence in different areas of daily life, work, and services. Globally, the report indicates that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence increased by 1.2 percentage points in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half of the year. Currently, about one in six people worldwide use generative AI tools, a significant advance for a technology that, until recently, was just beginning to integrate into widespread use.
Microsoft AI Economy Institute, Report
To ensure a consistent and reliable comparison across diverse nations, the Microsoft AI Economy Institute has developed a meticulous methodology. The Institute measures AI diffusion by tracking the proportion of the population that has actively used a generative AI product within the specified period. This measurement is derived from aggregated and anonymized company telemetry, which is then carefully adjusted to account for country-specific variables like operating system market share, device penetration, internet access, and population size.
This rigorous approach aims to provide the most accurate possible snapshot of national AI adoption, giving weight and credibility to the findings. The Institute acknowledges the inherent challenges in such large-scale measurement but stands by its method as a leading benchmark in the field.
While no metric is perfect, the report highlights that this is the most robust measure currently available for evaluating AI adoption at a national level.
Microsoft AI Economy Institute, Report
For Costa Rica, this leadership position is more than a statistic; it represents a critical opportunity. A workforce proficient in generative AI is better equipped to drive productivity, attract foreign investment in high-tech sectors, and foster a new generation of local startups. As the world economy becomes increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence, Costa Rica’s early and enthusiastic adoption could pay substantial dividends, solidifying its reputation as a hub for talent and technological progress in the Americas.
For further information, visit microsoft.com/research
About Microsoft AI Economy Institute:
The Microsoft AI Economy Institute is a research body dedicated to studying the economic and societal impacts of Artificial Intelligence. It focuses on tracking the global diffusion of AI technologies, analyzing their effect on labor markets, and providing data-driven insights to help policymakers, business leaders, and the public navigate the transition to an AI-powered economy. The institute utilizes a range of methodologies, including proprietary data and econometric analysis, to produce its reports.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the core principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its history of expert counsel to a wide array of clients but also by driving advancements in the legal field. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, manifested through efforts to demystify legal concepts and equip the community with the awareness needed to thrive.
