Strategically Strengthening The Software Export Sector: A Benchmarking Comparison Of National Experience

Abstract

Software as a product for export has proven to be a major economic engine in several economies, including those of India and Ireland. Current development efforts underway in Costa Rica by a variety of firms contribute to the potential for software development to become a key export sector in the Costa Rican economy. However, potential roadblocks in the form of governmental restrictions could impair the sector’s promise and inhibit the growth the sector is capable of encouraging. In order to identify strategic priorities to strengthen the software export sector, a comparative study of the situation in Costa Rica and key factors for successful software export are discerned. Heeks and Nicholson (2002) investigated three countries noted for their success with software exports: India, Ireland and Israel. Success variables previously identified by researchers were analyzed by Heeks and Nicholson, producing five key factor dimensions identified as contributing to the success of those three economies. It is these five key factor dimensions on which Costa Rica’s current situation are assessed.