Costa Rica Advances Its Digital Landscape with AI and 5G Initiatives
The country launches a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and collaborates with the U.S. for enhanced digital connectivity.
Costa Rica is advancing its technological agenda with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and the rollout of 5G connectivity, aiming to emerge as a leader in Central America amid a global technological competition involving major powers such as the United States and China.
In October 2024, the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) presented the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA) for the years 2024-2027, marking Costa Rica as the first Central American state to implement a comprehensive policy concerning AI. The strategy seeks to utilize AI in an ethical and responsible manner, with core focuses on education, infrastructure, and equitable access, alongside the promotion of local innovation.
The ENIA details several key initiatives, including the development of a robust digital infrastructure featuring 5G networks and the establishment of a National Center of Excellence in AI. Experts such as Tomás de Camino have expressed concerns regarding the persistent digital divide that has affected the nation since the 1980s, arguing for the importance of fostering local AI creators to prevent technological inequalities.
As of 2023, estimates indicate that while approximately 60% of Costa Ricans residing in rural areas have access to reliable high-speed internet, significant gaps remain that the government aims to remediate.
With respect to 5G technologies, an agreement signed in April 2024 with the United States, known as the “Cooperation in the Digital Economy,” is expected to expedite the deployment of 5G networks and support explorations into future 6G technologies.
This partnership emphasizes the importance of open and secure networks, bolstering Costa Rica’s reputation as a tech-friendly environment, supported in part by substantial investments from multinational corporations such as Intel, which initiated AI training programs in educational institutions in 2022. However, significant economic challenges persist.
Costa Rica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is considerably smaller than that of leading technology nations, necessitating strong public-private collaborations for research and development funding, particularly in light of competing budgetary needs in healthcare and ecotourism.
The ethical framework of the ENIA stresses transparency and the protection of human rights, proposing the development of regulatory guidelines to ensure a balance between innovation and public safety.
Regionally, Costa Rica seeks to surpass its competitors, including Panama, by leveraging its political stability and a commitment to sustainable development.
However, the increasing energy requirements associated with the rollout of 5G technology may challenge the country's environmental credentials.
Public sentiment regarding these developments appears cautiously optimistic, as seen in various online discussions, but the ultimate success of these initiatives will depend on effective execution.
In October 2024, the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) presented the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA) for the years 2024-2027, marking Costa Rica as the first Central American state to implement a comprehensive policy concerning AI. The strategy seeks to utilize AI in an ethical and responsible manner, with core focuses on education, infrastructure, and equitable access, alongside the promotion of local innovation.
The ENIA details several key initiatives, including the development of a robust digital infrastructure featuring 5G networks and the establishment of a National Center of Excellence in AI. Experts such as Tomás de Camino have expressed concerns regarding the persistent digital divide that has affected the nation since the 1980s, arguing for the importance of fostering local AI creators to prevent technological inequalities.
As of 2023, estimates indicate that while approximately 60% of Costa Ricans residing in rural areas have access to reliable high-speed internet, significant gaps remain that the government aims to remediate.
With respect to 5G technologies, an agreement signed in April 2024 with the United States, known as the “Cooperation in the Digital Economy,” is expected to expedite the deployment of 5G networks and support explorations into future 6G technologies.
This partnership emphasizes the importance of open and secure networks, bolstering Costa Rica’s reputation as a tech-friendly environment, supported in part by substantial investments from multinational corporations such as Intel, which initiated AI training programs in educational institutions in 2022. However, significant economic challenges persist.
Costa Rica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is considerably smaller than that of leading technology nations, necessitating strong public-private collaborations for research and development funding, particularly in light of competing budgetary needs in healthcare and ecotourism.
The ethical framework of the ENIA stresses transparency and the protection of human rights, proposing the development of regulatory guidelines to ensure a balance between innovation and public safety.
Regionally, Costa Rica seeks to surpass its competitors, including Panama, by leveraging its political stability and a commitment to sustainable development.
However, the increasing energy requirements associated with the rollout of 5G technology may challenge the country's environmental credentials.
Public sentiment regarding these developments appears cautiously optimistic, as seen in various online discussions, but the ultimate success of these initiatives will depend on effective execution.
