Latin America in general*and Costa Rica in particular*have made considerable strides in recent years on the economic development front. The region's standard of living is improving, and more money is flowing into Latin America's economy.

Despite these successes, however, Costa Rica and Latin America continue to face many challenges associated with the economic development process.

In an effort to address these challenges, an anonymous donor has committed $2.5 million to establish the Georgia Tech Center for Productivity Engineering. The Center*a joint venture between the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the College of Management*will partner with public agencies, private industry, and academic institutions in Costa Rica and throughout Latin America to:

* encourage interdisciplinary research on economic development in the region that would involve collaboration with U.S. and Latin American researchers and educators and involved students;

* create and deliver undergraduate and graduate engineering and business curricula in support of this research goal; and

* interact with the region's business community in order to promote economic growth that is protective and mindful of the region's commitment to protect its unique environmental resources.

"Because of the growing importance of technology throughout the world, there is a critical need to engage institutions that have not only the required technological leadership, but also the ability to integrate their technical leadership with public policy and cultural understanding,* says Steve Salbu, Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Chair and dean of the College of Management. "Such institutions will be able to convene interdisciplinary teams and create the partnerships between governments, industry, and universities that are required for a significant impact on economic growth and sustainability.*

"The activities of the Center for Productivity Engineering will help educate and train professional leaders in both engineering and business,* says Chelsea C. White III, chair of the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. "Part of the Center's mission will be to help Latin American leaders better understand the relationships between free enterprise, productivity, and respect for consumer interests coupled with respect for the environment. The Center will also strive to help business leaders develop an understanding of national and regional economic systems and their growth and stability.*

Because sustainability is a declared national and institutional priority for Costa Rica and Georgia Tech, White added, all of the Center's activities will be governed by a commitment to the principles of environmental protection and sustainable business practices.

Initially, the Center for Productivity Engineering will work to develop partnerships with organizations such as INCAE (a national research consortium in Costa Rica with modern research facilities focused on manufacturing), the University of Costa Rica, El Instituto Politechnico de Costa Rica, Fundaci*n Omar Dengo, and the C*mara de Industriales de Costa Rica, maximizing the synergy of their expertise and resources with those of Georgia Tech.

"As a microcosm of Latin America with a strong academic infrastructure, Costa Rica has the ability to capture the importance of productivity as a significant force for improving the nation's competitive position in a globalized world,* says the anonymous donor. "If Costa Rica's adoption of the principles of productivity enables it to outperform the rest of Latin America economically, as we expect, that in turn should lead several other Latin American countries to follow suit, with the intent of improving the economic quality of life in those countries. Georgia Tech's international experience and presence in France, Singapore, China, and India leaves me without a doubt that the program to be implemented in Costa Rica will be a resounding success.*

"The Center for Productivity Engineering will be a key player in strengthening the economies of Costa Rica and all of Latin America,* says Jack Liberman, ChE 1971, MS IE 1973, president of the Costa Rican Chamber of Industries. "Business leaders throughout Latin America are eager to engage with the Center's highly skilled faculty and students in seeking new and creative ways to improve the productivity and vitality of the region's economy.*

To inquire about making a gift in support of the Center for Productivity Engineering, contact Assistant Vice President for Development Marta H. Garcia at 404.894.5505 or marta.garcia@dev.gatech.edu.