DT #652 Small Country, Big Strategy: Costa Rica’s Rise in High-Value Global Investment
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 06/10/2026
DT #668 AI Literacy: Small Business Capacity and the Return of Human Experience
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a big tech conversation. For small businesses, microbusinesses, makers, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs, AI literacy is quickly becoming a practical economic development issue. In this episode of Develop This!, talks with , Director of Education at , about what AI literacy really means for local businesses and why it matters for Main Street communities. The conversation explores how AI can help entrepreneurs build capacity, save time, strengthen marketing, improve operations, and make more informed decisions, especially for business owners who...
info_outline
DT #670 How Communities Create Opportunity Through Leadership and Collaboration
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can communities create lasting economic mobility in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with about her remarkable career journey—from the White House and the Olympic movement to leading national initiatives focused on economic and community development. Drawing on decades of experience, Anne shares lessons on leadership, collaboration, and the importance of building authentic relationships around a clear mission. She explains how successful communities create momentum by aligning people, resources, and long-term goals around shared outcomes. A major focus...
info_outline
DT #666 The Cincinnati Growth Story: Collaboration, Talent, and Industry Leadership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What’s driving Cincinnati’s rise as one of the Midwest’s most dynamic economic engines? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , CEO of , about the region’s rapid growth and the strategies positioning it as a national leader in innovation, investment, and industry. Kimm shares how Cincinnati has built momentum through a combination of regional collaboration, strong industry clusters, and a commitment to workforce development. The conversation highlights how partnerships across state lines are helping the region compete more effectively for investment and talent. A major focus...
info_outline
DT #667 Mastering Public-Private Partnerships and Business Growth Strategies
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What can economic developers learn from a career that spans the public sector, entrepreneurship, and consulting? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , founder of , about her journey through economic development and the lessons that led her to launch her own consulting firm. Drawing on experience across multiple sectors, Ruth shares insights on navigating complex development projects, building trust among stakeholders, and helping communities move ambitious initiatives from concept to reality. A major theme throughout the conversation is continuous learning. Ruth discusses the...
info_outline
DT #664 30 Years of Site Selection Lessons from Matt Szuhaj
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How is technology changing the way communities compete for investment and talent? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , EVP of , to explore more than three decades of change in site selection and economic development. Drawing on 30 years of experience, Matt shares how location strategy has evolved from a focus on cost and infrastructure to a more complex evaluation of talent, quality of life, community identity, and long-term competitiveness. A major focus of the conversation is artificial intelligence and its growing influence on economic development. Matt explains how AI is...
info_outline
DT #665 How Great Leaders Unite a Multi-Generational Workforce
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can leaders build stronger teams in a workplace shaped by multiple generations? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with to explore how generational differences, economic realities, and rapid technological change are reshaping today's workforce. Mark shares insights into the strengths and challenges of working across generations—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z—and explains why understanding different perspectives is essential for building collaborative, high-performing teams. A major focus of the conversation is the changing economic landscape facing younger workers. Rising housing...
info_outline
DT #662 Why Trust, Talent, and Infrastructure Drive Site Selection Success
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What separates communities that win major investments from those that get left behind? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , Vice President of , to explore the increasingly complex world of site selection and the factors shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing. Tess shares how companies evaluate locations through the lens of long-term risk, infrastructure capacity, workforce strength, and community readiness. With major investment decisions carrying consequences for decades, preparation and execution have never been more important. A major theme throughout the conversation is...
info_outline
DT #663 Data-Driven Economic Development in a Changing World
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to build resilient communities in an era of rapid economic change? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , Executive Director of the , about the policies, partnerships, and strategies shaping economic growth across New York. Ryan shares insights on how data-driven decision-making is helping communities plan for the future, attract investment, and navigate increasingly complex economic challenges. From workforce development to infrastructure planning, the conversation highlights the importance of grounding strategy in reliable research and long-term thinking. A major...
info_outline
DT #660 The Atlanta Beltline Story: Balancing Growth, Equity, and Opportunity
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to transform a community while ensuring everyone benefits from the growth? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , President & CEO of , about one of the most ambitious community redevelopment projects in the United States. Clyde shares his unique journey from healthcare leadership into economic development and explains how large-scale infrastructure projects can serve as catalysts for economic growth, community revitalization, and long-term opportunity. A major focus of the conversation is community-led development. Rather than imposing change from the top down,...
info_outline
DT #661 How Authentic Community Branding Drives Growth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What makes some communities stand out while others struggle to tell their story? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , CEO of , about the growing importance of communication, branding, and storytelling in economic development. Drawing on her experience in both economic development and public relations, Sandy explains why authentic storytelling has become one of the most powerful tools communities can use to attract investment, build trust, and create lasting connections. The conversation explores common communication mistakes organizations make, the importance of maintaining...
info_outlineWhat does it take for a small country to compete for high-value global investment in today’s economy?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Pilar Madrigal of the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency to explore how Costa Rica is evolving into a strategic hub for advanced industries and foreign direct investment.
From its geographic position connecting North and South America to its growing reputation in high-tech sectors, Costa Rica is positioning itself as more than a nearshoring destination—it’s becoming a knowledge-driven economy focused on long-term value creation.
Pilar explains how the country has successfully diversified beyond tourism into industries such as life sciences, digital health, medical technology, AI, and advanced manufacturing. This transformation is powered by a strong emphasis on talent development and education, which she describes as the foundation of Costa Rica’s competitiveness.
A key theme throughout the conversation is that investment decisions are shifting. Companies are no longer just prioritizing cost or proximity—they are evaluating talent availability, risk mitigation, ecosystem stability, and total operating value.
The discussion also highlights the importance of trust and strategic advisory relationships in attracting and retaining global investors, as well as Costa Rica’s intentional focus on building long-term partnerships rather than transactional wins.
A central takeaway? Costa Rica’s competitive edge lies not in scale, but in stability, talent, and a deliberate strategy to move up the value chain.
Key Takeaways
-
Costa Rica serves as a strategic bridge between North and South America
-
The economy is shifting from tourism to high-value knowledge industries
-
Talent development is the core driver of long-term competitiveness
-
Nearshoring now prioritizes resilience and value over proximity alone
-
Trust and long-term partnerships are key to investor attraction
-
Stability and ecosystem maturity offset size limitations
-
Investment decisions increasingly focus on total operating value
Key Topics Covered
-
Costa Rica’s geographic and strategic advantages
-
Economic diversification into high-tech and life sciences
-
Workforce development and talent pipeline strategies
-
Challenges of scale and cost competitiveness
-
Role of investment promotion and advisory strategy
-
Nearshoring and global investment trends
-
Trust-building with international investors
Sound Bites
-
“The main hurdle is the size of the talent pool.”
-
“The future of FDI is about transformation.”
-
“A common mistake is competing only on cost.”