Collaboration between the public and private sectors and academia to share and apply knowledge in the development of new technologies, products and services, seeking to improve the quality of life of people and the economic growth of the country, is one of the main opportunities that can be generated from the growth of the life sciences cluster in Costa Rica.
Knowledge transfer can also stimulate investment in research and development, as well as the formation of specialized human capital.
These conclusions were drawn from the panel organized by the Latin American Center for Competitiveness and Sustainable Development (CLACDS) on the potential of the health sector in Costa Rica in view of the growth of the Life Sciences cluster in the country. The panel was attended by representatives of Boston Scientific and the Costa Rican Coalition of Development Initiatives (CINDE).
The life sciences sector in Costa Rica is comprised of pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies, and its growth in the country has been driven by a combination of factors such as a strategic geographic location, a highly skilled and bilingual workforce, a solid infrastructure and a favorable business environment.
Arturo Alfaro, Country Director of Boston Scientific, mentioned the progress of the construction in Costa Rica of the Institute for Advancing Science (IAS), which will allow medical education and training for health professionals in Latin America. "The operation we have in Costa Rica is of great importance for Boston Scientific, besides, the IAS will be an important center of education and training for health professionals in the region, which will allow us to continue advancing in our objective of providing innovative and high quality medical solutions for health care".
Gloriana Lang, CINDE's Innovation and Development Manager, highlighted the importance of developing the Life Centered Hub and advancing in the generation of more Research and Development (R&D) with companies located in Costa Rica. "Costa Rica has great potential for the development of the health sector, and collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors is essential to take advantage of all the opportunities that arise," said Lang.
Ronald Arce, Director of CLACDS, highlighted the role of INCAE in the support and development of clusters in the region. "From CLACDS and INCAE we are committed to the development of the health sector in Costa Rica and the region. We will continue working to foster collaboration between the different actors in the sector and to take advantage of all the opportunities that arise to improve the sustainable development of the region," said Arce.
Emphasis was also placed on the need to continue promoting the education and training of health sector professionals so that Costa Rica can generate products and services of greater value for the local and international market. The panel audience included the main representatives of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), including representatives of the hospitals, the management team and the executive presidency of the institution.
