Costa Rica has been actively transforming its digital landscape, particularly focusing on AI integration and digital governance as part of its bicentennial celebrations. This journey is marked by a series of strategic directives and initiatives led by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT). Here’s a chronological overview of the key regulations and initiatives driving this transformation.
In 2018, Costa Rica initiated its digital government transformation with Directive No. 019-MP-MICITT on the Development of the Digital Government of the Bicentenary. This directive aimed to establish projects and foster inter-institutional collaboration to build digital government capacities. Key objectives included forming an inter-institutional group for digital government, implementing three new digital government procedures with certified digital signatures by December 1, 2020, and defining an Institutional Digital Government Agenda. The directive emphasized transitioning to digitally signed electronic documents, aiming for 75% digital documentation by the end of 2020, and launching at least one digital government project incorporating disruptive technologies by December 1, 2020. This initiative aligned with OECD AI principles, particularly fostering a digital ecosystem for AI and providing an enabling policy environment for AI.
Also in 2018, Directive No. 031-MICITT-H on Improvements in the Efficiency of Public Spending through the Appropriate Use of Digital Technologies in the Costa Rican Public Sector was issued. This directive aimed to improve public spending efficiency by maximizing the use of existing technological solutions or finding cost-efficient alternatives. The Central and Decentralized Administration were instructed to implement technological solutions that enhance public sector efficiency and governance, addressing OECD AI principles of inclusive growth, sustainable development, and well-being.
In 2020, Costa Rica further advanced its AI agenda with the establishment of the National Laboratory for AI. This initiative, resulting from an AI cooperation declaration signed by MICITT and the National High Technology Center (Cenat), aimed to promote AI-supported solutions to national problems through public-private sector interaction and international cooperation. The laboratory focused on investing in AI R&D, fostering a digital ecosystem for AI, building human capacity, preparing for labor market transitions, and promoting international cooperation for trustworthy AI. This initiative highlighted Costa Rica’s commitment to leveraging AI for national development and innovation, aligning with several OECD AI principles.
| YEAR | REGULATIONS |
| 2018 | Development of the Digital Government of the Bicentenary |
| 2020 | National AI Laboratory |