'Pura Vida' Reimagined
Faculty Mentor
Soenke Biermann
Major/Area of Research
Global Studies, Economics
Description
In the heart of Costa Rica, an innovative model of cooperatives flourishes, anchored in the "Pura Vida" spirit that reflects a relaxed, community-centric lifestyle. Owned and controlled by the people who use their services or who work at them, Costa Ri- can cooperatives have historically played a key role in accelerating local economies, nurturing community development, and increasing the market share for these local communities. Originating in agriculture and constrained by a stagnant mindset, these cooperatives confront challenges that modern technology can address, opening the door for technology to be a catalyst in unleashing the next phase of Costa Rica's social and industrial revolution. This research aims to assesses how technology can be utilized by cooperatives to improve project impact, widen market access, and contribute to local economic regeneration for local communities. Conducted over a three month internship with a local tech cooperative in Costa Rica, this study employs a range of methodologies, including interviews, archival research, and participant observations. Current observations suggest that the Costa Rican culture, while central to national and social identity, often impedes ambitions of growth, leading to a society which is slow to adapt to new opportunities and advancements. Further, there’s a gap in education about the true potential of technology, particular- ly within the framework of enhancing ‘Pura Vida’, causing reluctance in individuals who are not exposed to or open to change. This resistance emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in mindset in individuals, which could limit the economic, social, and accessibility dimensions this society. In this way, the strategic application of technology within cooperatives emerges not just as a tool for economic and social advancement, but as a vibrant manifestation of the 'Pura Vida' ideals, uniting modern innovation with the timeless values at the heart of Costa Rican life.
'Pura Vida' Reimagined
In the heart of Costa Rica, an innovative model of cooperatives flourishes, anchored in the "Pura Vida" spirit that reflects a relaxed, community-centric lifestyle. Owned and controlled by the people who use their services or who work at them, Costa Ri- can cooperatives have historically played a key role in accelerating local economies, nurturing community development, and increasing the market share for these local communities. Originating in agriculture and constrained by a stagnant mindset, these cooperatives confront challenges that modern technology can address, opening the door for technology to be a catalyst in unleashing the next phase of Costa Rica's social and industrial revolution. This research aims to assesses how technology can be utilized by cooperatives to improve project impact, widen market access, and contribute to local economic regeneration for local communities. Conducted over a three month internship with a local tech cooperative in Costa Rica, this study employs a range of methodologies, including interviews, archival research, and participant observations. Current observations suggest that the Costa Rican culture, while central to national and social identity, often impedes ambitions of growth, leading to a society which is slow to adapt to new opportunities and advancements. Further, there’s a gap in education about the true potential of technology, particular- ly within the framework of enhancing ‘Pura Vida’, causing reluctance in individuals who are not exposed to or open to change. This resistance emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in mindset in individuals, which could limit the economic, social, and accessibility dimensions this society. In this way, the strategic application of technology within cooperatives emerges not just as a tool for economic and social advancement, but as a vibrant manifestation of the 'Pura Vida' ideals, uniting modern innovation with the timeless values at the heart of Costa Rican life.