Today, we visited Kyndryl, an American multinational IT services company. Later, we toured a Dos Pinos factory. Dos Pinos is a large dairy cooperative that is entirely owned and operated by Costa Rican farmers. These two business models offer different pros and cons. The international method provides jobs and investment but decision-making is not up to Costa Rican workers. Meanwhile, the cooperative model keeps processes in the hands Costa Rican people. However, both models touch on our group’s project theme of renewable energy and green infrastructure. The domestic cooperatives have more of an emphasis on this because of Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

As far as which model I think is better, I’ve gone back and forth. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that the cooperative model is a more lasting method. This is because it allows Costa Rica to directly invest in itself without depending on other nations or corporations. It is also best because Costa Rican people have their own best interests at heart and decision-making is keeping their benefit in mind.