Opportunities for the Costa Rican health sector given the growth of the Life Sciences cluster
The 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. Likewise, from the transfer of knowledge, investment in research and development can be stimulated, as well as the formation of specialized human capital.
These conclusions emerged 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 given the growth of the Life Sciences cluster in the country. The panel included the participation of representatives from Boston Scientific and the Costa Rican Coalition of Development Initiatives (CINDE).
The Life Sciences sector in Costa Rica is made up of pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies, and its growth in the country has been driven by the combination of factors such as a strategic geographic location, a highly trained and bilingual workforce. , a solid infrastructure and a favorable environment for business.
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 at the Latin American level. "The operation we have in Costa Rica is of great importance for Boston Scientific, in addition, the IAS will be an important training, education and training center for health professionals in the region, which will allow us to continue advancing in our objective. to provide 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 and private sectors and academia is essential to take advantage of all the opportunities that are presented," said Ella Lang.
Ronald Arce, Director of CLACDS, highlighted INCAE's role in supporting and developing clusters in the region. "From CLACDS and INCAE we are committed to the development of the health sector in Costa Rica and in the region. We will continue working to promote 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," Arce said.
In addition, emphasis was placed on the need to continue promoting the education and training of professionals in the health sector so that more valuable products and services are generated from Costa Rica for the local and international market. Within the panel audience were the main representatives of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), including representatives of the hospitals, management team and executive presidency of the institution.