The semiconductor industry, the backbone of modern digital and electronic technologies, is witnessing significant shifts in its global landscape. The high concentration of critical segments of the semiconductor value chain in a limited number of regions increases vulnerability to disruptions. In this changing landscape, economies are seeking to enhance the resilience of the semiconductor value chain through the development of their local ecosystem and by strengthening their role in this strategically important sector.
Costa Rica is emerging as a location of interest for some of the world’s largest semiconductor firms. This report analyses the semiconductor ecosystem in Costa Rica and identifies policy recommendations to help its development. The report contributes to a better understanding of policy tools that can help enhance the resilience of the global semiconductor value chain.
The report examines both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Quantitative analysis focuses on the existing semiconductor industry and electronics sector in Costa Rica, tracing its evolution and performance using aggregate and microeconomic data and analysing key enabling factors, including market structure, human capital and integration into global value chains. Qualitative analysis draws on interviews with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to map the institutional and policy landscape affecting the semiconductor ecosystem of Costa Rica, with in-depth analyses of the policies affecting human capital, infrastructure and the legal and regulatory environment.
Costa Rica has a favourable regulatory environment for international business, a robust framework for attracting foreign direct investment and is open to international trade. It also benefits from a relatively skilled and experienced workforce, reliable energy and water infrastructure, and geographic proximity to key semiconductor manufacturing hubs. The OECD analysis suggests that further investment in talent and transport infrastructure while supporting the development of local suppliers could help Costa Rica capitalise on emerging opportunities to develop its semiconductor ecosystem.
To unlock this development, this report offers policy recommendations structured into four main areas:
Co-ordinating and aligning strategies to foster the semiconductor ecosystem, building on the Semiconductors Roadmap and establishing a multistakeholder platform to monitor its implementation and support consensus building amongst all stakeholders. Costa Rica should continue investing in evidence-based semiconductor policymaking, leveraging the state-of-the-art firm-level data infrastructure and strong statistical capabilities available in Costa Rica’s institutions.
Enhancing the business environment for better integration of local and multinational semiconductor firms into global value chains, continuing to facilitate trade in semiconductors by further promoting innovation and knowledge transfer, simplifying business creation procedures and supporting new ventures in the local semiconductor ecosystem.
Promoting the development of skills and human capital for semiconductors through a multi‑pronged approach that includes developing domestic talent by tapping into underrepresented profiles, attracting trainers from abroad by co‑operating with like-minded neighbouring countries and retaining high-skilled talent by enhancing efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
Investing in the infrastructure needed for semiconductors, including the necessary transport and logistical infrastructure to accommodate the expansion of the semiconductor ecosystem. Costa Rica should continue providing sustainable energy and water infrastructure, which is part of its strong commitment to environmental protection.