March 13-17, 2017

Alajuela, Costa Rica

Doing Business in Latin America: The Competitiveness and Sustainability Challenge

Latin America is one of the most thriving regions in the World. Growing income, successful economic integration, booming markets, and a privileged geography makes this region a must for big and small companies.  However, there is a stark competitiveness and sustainability divide between and within countries.  This module will analyze the current challenges and opportunities for doing business in the region both from a macro and micro perspective covering the most important topics to comprehend the intricacies of the region.  Lectures include the political economy of regional integration, microeconomics of competitiveness, sustainability management, public-private partnerships, implementing CSR strategy, BoP and creating social value, agribusiness and global value chains and investment in emerging markets.

Faculty involved (tentative): Alberto Trejos, Francisco de Paula Gutiérrez, Roy Zúñiga, Bernard Kilian, Andrea Prado, Urs Jäger, Esteban Brenes and Víctor Umaña, Deputy Director of INCAE’s Latina American Center for Competitiveness and Sustainable Development.

Company visits:  Dos Pinos (Dairy Coop), Florida Ice and Farm (Brewery), DHL Express (Logistics).

Other elements: Britt Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls.