Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster Driving Development, Collaboration

Q: How does the Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster actively engage with stakeholders to promote development in regions where aerospace activities are concentrated? 

A: Over the past 15 years, Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster has actively collaborated with the government and stakeholders to drive social and economic development in regions with aerospace activities. This journey began with a political decree by former President Laura Chinchilla in 2010, which designated the aerospace sector as a strategic priority. Then, the Ministry of Science and Technology formalized aerospace as a productive sector, facilitating access to funding and training programs. Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) mapped existing and potential aerospace companies, identifying around 30 entities between 2010 and 2012. Despite initial challenges like the lack of certifications and training programs, there was evident potential.

Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster was formally established in 2015, leading to a more structured approach with industry leaders. Despite administrative challenges until 2018, the implementation of a sustainable management model enabled effective execution of planned strategies. Over time, the aerospace industry gained momentum, engaging with the government and academia as strategic partners. Rather than working in silos, we leveraged their support for our initiatives. Our coordination with the industrial sector is robust, with clear interactions and collaboration with government entities that ensure our efforts align with broader developmental objectives for sustainable growth.

Q: What relationships has the cluster established with educational institutions to foster the development of a skilled talent pipeline for the aerospace industry? 

A: The cluster collaborates closely with educational institutions to cultivate a skilled talent pool tailored to the aerospace industry's needs. We engage with Tier 1 suppliers and focus on component manufacturing within a build-to-print model, emphasizing electromechanical systems. We partner with technical colleges to develop new programs, such as technical degrees in advanced manufacturing with a focus on electromechanical system testing. We also revise existing curriculum modules to include topics like precision mechanical training and lean manufacturing, ensuring students gain essential skills for the workforce.

Our long-term strategy involves transitioning toward more sophisticated capabilities by collaborating with universities to design curricula and integrate aerospace topics into engineering programs. This aims to bridge skill gaps and prepare students for advanced roles within the industry. We also support the development of academic disciplines that align with the industry, fostering innovation and addressing emerging industry needs. Our collaboration with academia ensures a continuous supply of skilled talent and drives innovation in the aerospace sector.

Q: How does the cluster help its members obtain the necessary certifications? 

A: Certifications are pivotal for companies within the Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster, profoundly impacting their competitiveness and market viability. Our initial mapping of the aerospace sector revealed a prevalent trend: while it is possible to operate without certification, it required rigorous risk management and audits. Our perspective shifted as we delved into the certification process, later helping Tico Electronics become the first certified aerospace company in Costa Rica in 2015.

Since 2016, Costa Rica has witnessed a steady increase in aerospace certifications, with 17 now in place. These certifications have enhanced industry standards and market credibility. The resulting ecosystem has led to a surge in business opportunities, particularly from 2020 onward, when we capitalized on nearshoring trends to secure numerous contracts and generated over US$1 million in business opportunities. Certification has become a cornerstone of our strategy, signaling a long-term commitment to excellence and reliability. Entrepreneurs within the cluster have embraced this approach, recognizing its pivotal role in solidifying Costa Rica's position as a leading aerospace destination.

Q: What efforts has the Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster undertaken to attract foreign investments and cultivate partnerships with international aerospace companies? 

A: Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster is working to attract foreign investments and establish partnerships with international aerospace entities through multifaceted approaches. First, the cluster focuses on building credentials and capabilities to enhance its appeal to foreign investors. This involves supporting local SMEs with strong technical expertise in their expansion endeavors. The cluster leverages programs offered by the Ministry of Science and Technology, assisting SMEs in accessing funding and meeting necessary qualifications.

Close collaboration with PROCOMER ensures strategic participation in international trade shows and exhibitions. The cluster's collaboration with Mexico exemplifies its proactive approach to international partnerships. Fruitful collaborations have been fostered by recognizing synergies between the markets, particularly in production preferences. Mexico focuses on high-volume production and Costa Rica's strength is in low-volume, high-value manufacturing. 

Q: What measures does the cluster take to ensure environmental sustainability and uphold responsible manufacturing practices within the aerospace sector? 

A: The cluster is dedicated to responsible manufacturing practices within the aerospace sector, rooted in the nation's ethos of sustainability. Costa Rica's leadership in renewable energy, with over 99% of energy sourced from renewables, and its vast protected areas showcase this commitment. The cluster prioritizes stringent environmental standards, which often surpass international norms. Costa Rica's carbon neutrality program, aiming for neutrality by 2050, exemplifies this. 

Efforts extend to adopting eco-friendly practices within aerospace companies, including solar energy systems and strict waste management protocols. We prioritize continuous improvement strategies, quantifying impacts and implementing reduction measures.

Close collaboration with the Costa Rican Institute of Technical Standards (INTECO) ensures compliance with national standards and promotes sustainability best practices. Through these efforts, the cluster aims to not only meet regulations but to also contribute environmental conservation and sustainable development in the aerospace industry.

Q: What emerging trends are shaping the future of the aerospace industry, and how is the cluster preparing to adapt to these changes? 

A: The aerospace industry is experiencing a transition toward electric propulsion, particularly with the rise of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. This trend offers significant opportunities within the sector thanks to its rapid development and evolving business models. Costa Rica is poised to leverage this emerging trend. Its technical prowess, commitment to sustainability, and political neutrality position it as a promising player in the eVTOL market. Its dedication to sustainable development aligns well with the environmental benefits of electric propulsion, making it an attractive destination for investment and collaboration.

While the focus is on technology development, future efforts will center on establishing stable production processes and identifying optimal manufacturing locations. Emerging countries with cost-effective advantages stand to lead in this evolving industry.

Q: What potential for further growth and diversification within the cluster do you envision in the coming years? 

A: The cluster is poised for continued growth and diversification, guided by a long-term vision spanning several years. Our technical strategy revolves around closing existing gaps and enhancing capabilities to complement manufacturing. Efforts are focused on areas such as non-destructive testing and thermal treatments, which are not certified under aerospace standards in Costa Rica. Anticipated timelines project the completion of the non-destructive testing cycle by 2024 and thermal treatment processes by 2025. While currently reliant on single sources for these processes, the goal is to establish two to three reliable sources for each, bolstering risk management and cluster resilience.

Our roadmap outlines a two-year plan to address these technical gaps, with tangible outcomes expected by 2026-2027. We are also making strides in testing capabilities, with strong credentials anticipated within the next two to three years. In five or six years, further advancements are expected in design and development capabilities, facilitated by tailored educational programs.

Efforts are also underway to cultivate an ecosystem conducive to attracting OEMs to Costa Rica. The groundwork is being laid to make the country an appealing destination for those companies. By fostering a coordinated ecosystem, we aim to offer seamless entry into an established aerospace environment, positioning Costa Rica as an attractive hub for aerospace manufacturing and innovation.