Strategic direction and market research for Costa Rica in the Benelux IT outsourcing market
In collaboration with Procomer, Globally Cool provided strategic guidance to strengthen Costa Rica’s presence in the Benelux outsourcing market, particularly focusing on the Netherlands. This project sought to pinpoint Costa Rica’s unique value proposition for the Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sectors, evaluate competitive strengths, and map ideal entry channels. Through targeted market analysis, we developed actionable insights to support Costa Rica’s positioning as a preferred outsourcing destination in Europe.
The Benelux region has shown increased interest in diversifying its outsourcing sources to include reliable, cost-effective partners with strong technical expertise. Costa Rica, known for its highly educated workforce and alignment with Western business practices, presents a promising solution for Benelux companies seeking outsourcing partnerships. This project was designed to bridge Costa Rica’s offerings with Benelux market demands, enabling Costa Rican firms to tap into new opportunities while addressing challenges such as talent shortages and heightened competition in the European market.
Year
Country
Costa Rica, EU (general)Type of activity
- Market Intelligence
Activities
- Conducted comprehensive desk research on the ITO and BPO sectors in Costa Rica and the Benelux region, using sources such as Statista, Kearney, Hofstede, CBI, and Eurostat. This research illuminated current outsourcing trends, talent availability, and the competitive landscape in both regions.
- Engaged in targeted interviews with five key buyers in sectors like food manufacturing, government, and pharmaceuticals, along with three industry experts (two ITO-focused, one BPO-focused) and two Costa Rican outsourcing companies to gather qualitative insights on market needs and opportunities.
- Attended The Next Web Conference in Amsterdam to network, conduct onsite interviews, and observe trends firsthand, enriching the market analysis with the latest insights on European outsourcing demands and Costa Rica’s potential market fit.
Results
- Identified promising demand for Costa Rican outsourcing services within Benelux, highlighting growth areas like cybersecurity, customer service, and finance, with the IT outsourcing market expected to grow at 7.6% CAGR from 2024-2029.
- Positioned Costa Rica as a reliable partner due to its skilled workforce and alignment with European cultural and business expectations, particularly in project management and technical skill areas.
- Flagged talent scarcity challenges in Costa Rica, noting that partnerships with other Latin American countries could mitigate this issue to fulfil demand in the Benelux market.
- Outlined effective entry strategies, such as partnering with local intermediaries and direct outreach to Dutch businesses for Costa Rican companies with well-differentiated offerings.
NEXT STEPS
- Creation of a Sector Export Marketing Plan (SEMP) to formalize strategic priorities and a detailed export roadmap through 2027.
- Additional market research into Costa Rica’s digital capabilities to refine its positioning in the European market.
- Enhance content marketing and digital presence for increased visibility and reputation-building in Benelux as a dependable outsourcing destination.