The national science, technology and innovation plan 2022–2027 of Costa Rica

The National Science, Technology and Innovation Plan 2022–2027 (PNCTI) of Costa Rica is the government’s official roadmap for advancing research, technology, and innovation as key drivers of development. It was published in 2021 by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT). The plan emerged in the context of post-pandemic recovery and seeks to boost competitiveness, economic growth, and social inclusion by strengthening Costa Rica’s National Science, Technology and Innovation System (SNCTI). Its long-term vision is to move the country toward a knowledge-based society and economy, with strong regional development beyond the metropolitan core.

The strategy is built around three pillars: developing human talent (with emphasis on STEM/STEAM education, gender equality, and rapid training models), promoting knowledge generation (by expanding research, collaboration, and international partnerships), and encouraging transformative innovation (through technology-based entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and intellectual property development). These pillars are applied across five priority areas: bioeconomy (sustainable use of biodiversity and biotechnology), health and life sciences (clinical research and the medical devices industry), digital technologies (ICTs, big data, cybersecurity, and digital transformation), artificial intelligence (AI skills, ethical use, and integration into education and business), and aerospace development (with the creation of the Costa Rican Space Agency).

Implementation is guided by a multi-level governance model. MICITT provides strategic leadership, while the newly created Costa Rican Innovation and Research Promoter executes policy and coordinates with academia, industry, and civil society. The plan also emphasises international cooperation, adopting a “quintuple helix” model that engages public institutions, private companies, academia, civil society, and the environment. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ensure annual reviews of progress, while international collaboration is promoted to strengthen Costa Rica’s position as both a beneficiary and provider of scientific and technological cooperation.