On September 19, 2024, the SPIDER Costa Rica focus group was held at the National High Technology Center (CeNAT), Franklin Chang Díaz Building, with the objective of gathering complementary information to the work being carried out by the SPIDER project thanks to the cooperation in digital transformation between the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss needs, priorities and perspectives on digital transformation, research and innovation, creating a space for dialogue to identify needs and priorities in this area.
The focus group discussed topics such as the creation of strategic partnerships for a human-centered digital transformation, the implementation of joint digital initiatives, aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and the integration of the intersectional gender dimension in R&I. Strategies focused on the country's technological infrastructure, connectivity, digital skills, education for digital literacy, and multi-sector and interdisciplinary collaboration were also envisioned.
This dialogue methodology was important to highlight local potentialities, as well as the problems faced by our regions in terms of technology; the importance of a broad territorial perspective was emphasized, considering the differences between the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and the coastal areas of Costa Rica. This focus group represents a significant step towards cooperation in digital transformation between the EU and LAC, with the aim of promoting the use and appropriation of advanced networks in other academic, industrial and service sectors.
To find out more information
RedCONARE: https://www.redconare.ac.cr/
SPIDER: https://spidernetwork.org/
Proyecto BELLA II: https://www.bella-programme.eu
