The Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT in Spanish), along with the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (CICR) wrapped up InnovAccion, the First Conference on Innovation for Competitive Enterprises on April 20^th. The conference was directed to entrepreneurs and small business owners who are interested in using innovation to remain competitive in today’s marketplace.

At the InnovAccion Conference, manufacturers of eco-friendly furniture and distributors of energy-saving water heaters for household use shared their ideas and experiences with the rest of the attendees. The National Institute of Learning (INA), the state-funded system of vocational education in Costa Rica, featured examples of industrial design produced by students.

Themes such as the growth of social media in the marketplace and intellectual property issues were also discussed.

Minister Alejandro Cruz announced the allocation of about $6,400 to an initiative that will continue to hold such conferences in the interest of promoting innovation among small businesses. Following in the steps of established formulas when it comes to setting up new enterprises does not promote competition, something that industries in Costa Rica need to a great degree. Minister Cruz explained that:

“We should place all our efforts into recognizing innovative entrepreneurs; those who have always been intent on sailing while facing strong winds and currents just to stay afloat. We should highlight the role that local business innovators play in our society.

How can we develop innovation in the industrial sector?

Innovation does not develop in a vacuum, it is advanced by people, which is why it is fundamental to support all actions that foster a climate for innovation, along with all the conditions that can promote it within the business world.”

The Minister added what he thinks is needed to develop innovation in the marketplace:

“Incentives, cooperation, human capital, linking academia to industry, Research and Development centers to support industries, and just plain creativity aimed towards growth; those are some of the pillars of innovative development.”

Source: MICIT press office