By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A recent survey reveals a dramatic shift in the Costa Rican business landscape, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their operations and fuel growth. According to the “AI in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities” survey commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by Edelman Dxl, half of Costa Rica’s approximately 140,000 SMEs are now utilizing AI in their daily work.
The survey, which focused on understanding AI adoption trends among Costa Rican SMEs, highlights a significant positive impact on productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. A remarkable 65% of surveyed businesses reported that AI positively influences work quality, while 61% noted increased productivity and 58% saw a boost in employee motivation.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding this burgeoning field, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights into the implications of AI adoption in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s embrace of AI presents exciting opportunities, but also necessitates careful consideration of the legal framework. Data privacy, intellectual property, and liability in automated decision-making are key areas requiring regulatory attention to ensure responsible and ethical AI development. Proactive legislation that balances innovation with citizen protection will be crucial for Costa Rica to fully realize AI’s potential while mitigating potential risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on a balanced legal framework is crucial. Navigating the complexities of AI implementation requires foresight, not just in terms of technological advancement, but also in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Costa Ricans. His insights on data privacy, intellectual property, and liability provide a valuable roadmap for policymakers and innovators alike. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical issue.
The primary applications of AI within these businesses include virtual customer service assistance (62%) and the development of innovative solutions and products using generative AI (59%). Notably, half of the surveyed companies are actively training their employees in AI-related skills, indicating a commitment to integrating this technology into their core operations.
The driving forces behind this AI investment are the desire to enhance customer experience (48%) and improve efficiency and business continuity (33%) in a competitive economic environment. AI is empowering these SMEs to streamline processes, scale operations more effectively, and adapt to fluctuating demand.
The survey also found that AI is having a positive effect on recruitment, with 54% of companies stating that it has improved their hiring practices. This widespread adoption is fostering optimism, with 68% of business leaders and 56% of employees expressing confidence in the future impact of AI.
Looking ahead, the commitment to AI remains strong, with 69% of SMEs planning continued investment in AI and 59% specifically in generative AI. This suggests that AI is not a fleeting trend but a fundamental shift in the way businesses operate.
The adoption of AI by SMEs in Costa Rica is redefining the way they operate, boosting their competitiveness, capacity, and efficiency. The results of this survey reflect how AI not only improves the quality of work and productivity, but also generates new experiences and greater satisfaction for their clients. Today, more than ever, AI has become an indispensable tool for the growth of these companies.
Ineke Geesink, Director of Small and Medium Enterprises, Microsoft Central America and the Caribbean & Country Manager, Microsoft Costa Rica
As more Costa Rican SMEs invest in AI and upskill their workforce, the future of the business sector appears bright, poised for innovation and growth. This rapid adoption of AI signifies a transformative period for the Costa Rican economy, with SMEs leading the charge in embracing the potential of this powerful technology.
For further information, visit microsoft.com
About Microsoft:
Microsoft is a multinational technology corporation producing computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. The company is known for its software products such as the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Microsoft also produces hardware such as the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers.
For further information, visit edelmandxl.com
About Edelman Dxl:
Edelman Dxl is a global communications marketing firm specializing in integrated brand, reputation, and experience work. They offer a range of services including research, strategy, creative, paid media, and analytics, focusing on building trust and driving business impact for their clients.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built upon a foundation of integrity and driven by a commitment to empower Costa Rican society. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with its dedication to sharing legal knowledge through accessible resources, reflects a deep-seated belief in fostering a more just and informed citizenry. Through decades of dedicated service across diverse sectors, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to champion both its clients’ interests and the broader public good.
