February 2026. In a global industrial environment defined by technological transformation, regulatory frameworks, and higher quality standards, talent has become a strategic enabler of innovation and operational excellence. For sectors such as Medical Devices, Semiconductors and Smart Manufacturing, the ability to perform and scale depends not only on infrastructure and technology, but on people with the right skills to operate in highly regulated and technology-driven environments.
In Costa Rica, this reality is reflected in labor market trends. Data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) shows sustained positive momentum in employment generation, particularly in industrial and knowledge-intensive activities. This underscores the importance of developing skills that both support innovation and enable access to quality jobs aligned with global industry needs
Skills That Enable Innovation in Regulated Industrial Environments
Within this context, as industrial operations continue to evolve, a set of core competencies has become increasingly relevant. These skills enable talent to perform effectively in highly specialized and quality-driven manufacturing environments, support innovation, and contribute to operational excellence:
- Technical and operational skills aligned with high-precision manufacturing processes
- Digital capabilities supporting Smart Manufacturing environments
- English proficiency for multinational and export-oriented operations
- Soft skills such as problem solving, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication
These capabilities are particularly critical in industries dedicated to the design and manufacturing of life-saving devices, where precision, quality, and regulatory compliance are fundamental to innovation.
Free Zones as Platforms for Talent Development
Free Zones play a key role in supporting companies that require specialized talent aligned with global standards. By providing stable operating conditions, specialized services, and access to purpose-built facilities, they contribute to creating environments where industrial operations and workforce development can advance simultaneously.
At a national level, institutions such as PROCOMER and the Ministry of Labor have emphasized the importance of training programs focused on technical skills, digital competencies, and English proficiency, as key factors to strengthen employability and support innovation-driven sectors. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to reinforcing Costa Rica’s human capital in alignment with global industrial demand.
Coyol Free Zone: Supporting Talent for High-Value Industries
Coyol Free Zone is a leading, multi-award-winning Free Zone, specializing in Medical Devices, Semiconductors and Smart Manufacturing industries, and a recognized global benchmark within Costa Rica’s Life Sciences cluster. The Park hosts 34 world-class companies, operating under rigorous quality and operational requirements and innovation-driven industries.
As of January 2026, the companies operating in Coyol Free Zone generate a total headcount of 25,422 direct quality employments, reflecting the scale and specialization of the industrial activity concentrated in the Park. The workforce structure responds to the technical demands of manufacturing environments: 71% of these rare in operational roles, 9% in technical positions, 17% in professional functions, and 3% in management and director-level roles.
This talent base also reflects the characteristics of Costa Rica’s industrial workforce. Women represent 55% of total collaborators, while 45% are men, and a significant proportion of the workforce is concentrated in early and mid-career stages, with 70% between 18 and 35 years. This combination of experience, technical capability, and adaptability supports the long-term success of the industrial operations in the Park.
Through collaboration with academic institutions, public organizations, and talent development partners, Coyol Free Zone supports initiatives focused on strengthening technical capabilities, English proficiency, and operational skills aligned with industry needs. These efforts facilitate access to quality employment opportunities and help ensure that companies located in the Park have access to talent prepared for complex industrial environments.
Collaboration as a Driver of Employability and Innovation
Collaboration between the public sector, academia, and Free Trade Zones plays a key role in strengthening workforce capabilities and expanding access to quality employment. In high-value industrial sectors, the availability of skilled and adaptable talent is increasingly decisive as technologies evolve, and regulatory demands intensify.
By fostering environments where talent development and industrial operations advance together, Coyol Free Zone contributes to a growth model in which innovation, quality employment, and global competitiveness are mutually reinforcing—defining a solid foundation for the future of advanced manufacturing.