Sustainable Business Innovation in Costa Rica

Catalog description

The course is designed to foster a better understanding of corporate sustainability with a particular focus on Costa Rica, a country with a history of exceptional social and environmental leadership. During the course, we will review the latest trends in corporate sustainability, learn about Costa Rica and its unique role in sustainable development, and undertake a deep dive into the sustainability of two important sources of income for Costa Rica, coffee and tourism. We will have several guest speakers including experts in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America, with a large middle class. Business is focused on high-tech manufacturing and services: electronics, medical devices, automotive, aeronautic/aerospace, and film/broadcasting devices. (altogether representing 60% of exports). Agricultural exports such as bananas, pineapples, coffee, etc. play an important role in the economy, as do services such as tourism. Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earths surface, however it contains nearly 6 percent of the worlds biodiversity. Situated between the North and South America continents, Costa Rica has served as a bridge of countless species of animals and plants for thousands of years. Students will work together during the week to create a briefing book (in the form or a powerpoint, NOT a narrative) on sustainable development in Costa Rica. Ten groups will be given 10 different topics to research on the first day of class and will be provided 10 minutes (plus 3 minutes Q&A from students) to present their ppt on January 21st. Groups will work on their own time during the week, but will also have January 19th class time to work together and get feedback from the professor.