Blog Assignment #3
Intel
1. a) Intel supplies microprocessors for computer system manufacturers such as Acer, Lenovo, HP, and Dell. Intel also manufactures motherboard chipsets, network interface controllers and integrated circuits, flash memory, graphics chips, embedded processors and other devices related to communications and computing.
b)Since 1997, Intel’s presence in Costa Rica has supported the growth of the country and catalyzed Foreign Direct Investment. The operations within Costa Rica are that of Intel’s Manufacturing and Operations division and involve the assembly and testing of microchips. Intel also has a Research and Development Center and a Global Services Center in Costa Rica.
c)Intel Costa Rica’s headquarters are located in Belén, Heredia, northwest of the capital. Intel employs more than 2,200 people in Costa Rica. Up until 2014, Intel Costa Rica was a manufacturing plant. The company decided it was too expensive to manufacture in CR and moved manufacturing to Asia. Employees in the Belén location currently, “design, prototype, test, and validate integrated circuit and software solutions.” Making it a packaging site.
2. Intel has had a major positive impact on the economy of Costa Rica, it has supported the growth of the country and catalyzed Foreign Direct Investment. It represents 60% of the country’s research and development exports, and continues to support the country’s climb up the Global Value Chain. According to intel.com, they work closely with public and private universities in Costa Rica to help them assess and adapt their curricula to emerging technologies, and to strengthen student employability. They also invest into local education. This is certainly a positive social factor, along with the workshops they host for aspiring engineers. Intel claims to be sustainable, and they have invested in many environmental initiatives, including the restoration of water into forests. While this is true, electronics are the source of a lot of waste, once they leave the country and can no longer be used.
3. The best theoretical framework to represent the presence of Intel in Costa Rica is a neo-liberal framework.
Citations
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/intel-in-costa-rica.html