Questions for Discussion

1. What were the major direct and indirect impacts of Intels investment in
Costa Rica, and which do you think were most important in attracting further
investment? Which do you estimate were the most important for the countrys
economic development long term?
2. What aspects of Costa Ricas investment climate required improvements in
order for Intel to finalize the deal? Why were these important to Intel and its
business strategy?
3. How did the Costa Rican government and CINDE leverage the investment
after Intels initial decision to invest was made? In retrospect, what were the
most important areas of activity in sustaining the Intel momentum? In your
opinion, are there actions not taken by the government and/or CINDE that
would have further leveraged this momentum?
4. Discuss the roles of the signaling effect, the halo effect and other multipliers in leveraging the opportunity an important FDI project presents. Give
hypothetical examples of how these effects can be channeled to support
strategic FDI targets.
5. Given Costa Ricas experience, what specific actions can be taken to help
ensure a favorable word-of-mouth reference from existing investors? How
should the environment of investor references and support be structured and
audited/monitored, and by whom?
6. How did Intel impact the development of the technology cluster in Costa Rica?
Discuss the challenges that CINDE faced and various approaches to attracting
both large producers and suppliers to a target cluster.

INVESTING IN DEVELOPMENT INTEL COSTA RICA

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