LAW TO PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
LAW NO. 7169
Courtesy translation provided by WIPO © 2012
TITLE I
Principles
CHAPTER I
Aims
Article 1: For the purposes of the scientific and technological development that this Law seeks to
promote, the general aim shall be to facilitate scientific research and technological innovation, leading
to greater economic and social progress within the framework of a strategy of comprehensive
sustained development, in order to preserve the country’s natural resources for future generations and
guarantee that Costa Ricans enjoy a better quality of life and wellbeing and to enhance their
knowledge of themselves and of society.
Article 2: The longterm goal of scientific and technological development shall be to create the
necessary conditions for the implementation of a policy in this respect.
Article 3: The specific goals of scientific and technological development shall be the following:
(a) to guide the definition of specific policies for the promotion and fostering of scientific and
technological development in general;
(b) to support scientific and technological activities carried out by any private or public entity,
national or foreign, which contribute to scientific and technological exchange with other countries
or which are linked to national development goals;
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(c) to provide stimuli and incentives for the private and public sectors and for university
institutions of higher education and other educational centers, with a view to enhancing capacity to
generate science and technology and encouraging links between such bodies;
(d) to create the appropriate conditions to ensure that science and technology can play their key
role as basic factors in the achievement of greater competitiveness and growth in the national
productive sector;
(e) to stimulate technological innovation as an essential element for building national capacity,
adapting to changes in international trade and the global economy and raising the living standards
of Costa Ricans;
(f) to stimulate technological innovation at the national level with a view to converting Costa
Rica’s productive sector and enhancing the country’s capacity in terms of competitiveness, in order
to meet the basic needs of the population;
(g) to encourage all activities that support substantive scientific and technological development;
postgraduate studies and human resource development, the improvement of the teaching of the
sciences, mathematics and technical education, as well as scientific and technological
documentation and information;
(h) to support any measures designed to encourage greater creativity and original scientific
thinking on the part of Costa Ricans;
(i) to promote regional development in the country by means of the use of appropriate
technologies for the development of agricultural, agroindustrial, forest and aquacultural activity
and related industry in rural areas;
(j) to foster and support ethical, legal, economic, scientific and social research in general, aimed
at improving understanding of the relationship between science, technology and society, as well as
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the applicable legal framework in this field, with a view to revitalizing the role of science and
technology in respect of culture and social wellbeing;
(k) to foster any activities which support the process of technological innovation: technology
transfer, consultancy and engineering, standardization, metrology and quality control and other
scientific and technological services.
CHAPTER II
Duties and responsibilities of the State
Article 4: In accordance with the aims of the present Law, the State has the following duties:
(a) to ensure that science and technology serve Costa Ricans, guarantee their wellbeing and allow
them to increase their knowledge of themselves, nature and society;
(b) to formulate national science and technology programs, in consultation with the public and
private entities and bodies that make up the National Science and Technology System, as an
integral part of national development plans;
(c) to provide the specific tools for encouraging and stimulating research, knowledge transfer and
science and technology as fundamental prerequisites for development and as elements of universal
culture;
(d) to foster, guarantee and promote constitutional freedom of teaching and scientific and
technological research;
(e) to promote coordination between the private and public sectors and the research centers of
State institutions of higher education, in order to inform, guide and promote policies on science and
technology for the various sectors of society;
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(f) to establish policies for scientific and technological development, oversee their
implementation and evaluate their impact and results, within the framework of the national
development strategy;
(g) to foster the creative capacity of Costa Ricans, through the support of relevant scientific,
educational and cultural programs and activities and through the granting of awards and prizes to
those who make a valuable contribution to national development in the field of science and
technology;
(h) to encourage the drafting of suitable legal instruments for the promotion of scientific and
technological development;
(i) to make specific budgetary provision for funds which State institutions and bodies shall
earmark and administer for scientific and technological research and development activities;
(j) to foster the technology management capacity of public and private firms, universities and
research and development centers, with a view to achieving the industrial conversion and
modernization of the agricultural and forestry sector and increasing national productivity;
(k) to use the purchasing (goods and services) and bargaining power of public sector entities to
encourage national corporate strengthening of the technological base, the appropriate use of
consulting and engineering capacity and the delivery of national technical and professional
services;
(l) to encourage the selective incorporation of modern technology in the public administration,
with a view to streamlining and updating public services on a constant basis, in conjunction with
administrative reform, in order to modernize the national State apparatus, with a view to boosting
efficiency;
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(m) to facilitate scientific and technological exchange between Costa Rica and the global
community, so as to benefit from the most valuable experiences and achievements of other
countries.
Article 5: All entities related to science and technology, as well as State public bodies, may
cooperate with regard to compliance with this Law, in accordance with their nature and powers.
Article 6: In accordance with the current National Science and Technology Program, the State
shall encourage studies, applications and the development and creation of companies in the areas of
the new technologies that are necessary for the country’s development.
TITLE II
Organizational mechanisms for scientific and technological development
CHAPTER I
The National Science and Technology System
Article 7: The National Science and Technology System is hereby established, within the
framework of the sectorization of the State. The System shall consist of the body of institutions,
entities and organs of the public sector, the private sector and research and higher education
institutions, which carry out their main activities in the field of science and technology or which
earmark part of their budget and human resources for scientific and technological activities.
Article 8: The nonprofit scientific and technological activities carried out by the entities which
form part of the National Science and Technology System are hereby declared to be of public interest.
Article 9: In accordance with the National Planning Law, the overall aim of the National Science
and Technology System shall be to coordinate and implement all those provisions established by
higher political bodies, as well as to integrate measures taken by individuals for the coordination of
scientific development and for the application of scientific and technological knowledge for national
social and economic wellbeing.
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Article 10: The National Science and Technology System shall promote coordination of the
interests of the bodies and entities from the abovementioned sectors and their cooperation, with a
view to ensuring national coordination in the field of science and technology for comprehensive
national development. Guidelines and policies shall be established that shall be binding for the public
sector and indicative for the private and higher education sector.
Article 11: The Minister of Science and Technology shall be in charge of the System and shall
maintain the necessary communication ties with each of the Ministros Rectores (Ministers responsible
for directing, coordinating and ensuring compliance with public strategies and policies in a given
sector) in charge of the various sectors of the Public Administration, with a view to coordinating
scientific and technological development activities with sectoral policies and their outcomes.
Article 12: Without prejudice to the autonomy granted under Article 84 of the Constitution, State
universities shall form part of the National Science and Technology System, solely to participate in its
deliberations, in order to ensure the necessary coordination through the appropriate legal mechanisms.
Article 13: In order for a private institution of higher education to belong to the National Science
and Technology System and benefit from the advantages afforded by this Law, it shall have at least
one research center that is certified as such, according to the regulations of this Law, in the opinion of
the National Board for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT). In addition, it shall
earmark part of its budget for research and development.
Article 14: Private institutions of higher education which form part of the System shall comply
with the general guidelines and policies of public interest in respect of professional training in the
fields of science and technology.
Article 15: The Ministry of Science and Technology shall be the body that defines mechanisms
and levels of coordination, assessment and implementation, with a view to ensuring cooperation
between the sectors involved in national scientific and technological activities, as well as to
establishing its sphere of competence and its organizational structure.
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CHAPTER II
National Science and Technology Program
Article 16: The National Science and Technology Program shall be the instrument for planning
scientific and technological development that the Government of the Republic shall propose during its
administration. It shall put forward a short, medium and longterm vision making it possible to lend
continuity and scope to the efforts of the public, private and higher education sectors in this field.
Article 17: The Program shall form an integral part of the National Development Plan, and, based
on its guidelines concerning social and economic development, shall contain the objectives, policies,
strategies and action plans translated into specific projects for the period in question.
Article 18: The Program shall be compulsory for the public sector and optional for the private
sector and for State university institutions of higher education, in respect of the institutional autonomy
enshrined in the Constitution.
Article 19: During its preparation, the Program shall be subject to the various levels of
coordination of the sectors which make up the National Science and Technology System, with a view
to ensuring the harmonization of the interests and initiatives represented therein.
CHAPTER III
Ministry of Science and Technology
Article 20: The main duties of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT) shall be as follows:
(a) to define scientific and technological policy, by means of the use of the coordination
mechanisms established by the National Science and Technology System, and to contribute to the
mainstreaming of this policy into the country’s overall economic and social policy, with regard to
which it shall serve as a link and a direct partner with the higher policymaking bodies of the
Government of the Republic;
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(b) to coordinate the work of the National Science and Technology System by means of the
guidance exercised by the Minister of Science and Technology;
(c) to prepare, implement and monitor the National Science and Technology Program, in
accordance with the provisions of this Law and within the framework of the National Science and
Technology System;
(d) to grant, as the case may be, the incentives provided for in this Law by means of the signing of
a contract for scientific and technological incentives, subject to the recommendation of the
Incentives Commission;
(e) to suggest, in consultation with the Ministros Rectores in charge of each sector, the percentage
of the budget that the institutions referred to in Article 97 of this Law must earmark for science and
technology, in accordance with the priorities of the National Science and Technology Program;
(f) to promote the establishment and improvement of the legal and administrative instruments
necessary for national scientific and technological development;
(g) to support the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN) in its work
in the field of international technical cooperation, with the stimulus provided by the appropriate
exploitation of such cooperation in scientific and technological activities;
(h) to ensure compliance with this Law;
(i) to fulfill any other function assigned to it by existing or future legislation.
Article 21: The powers of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT) shall be exercised by
its Minister, unless they have been delegated by the same, or by regulatory provision, provided that
such powers are not reserved for the Executive, according to the Constitution and Articles 27 and 28
of the General Law of Public Administration.
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CHAPTER VI
National Council for Scientific and Technological Research
Article 22: The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research, an autonomous
institution with legal personality and its own assets, shall be regulated by Law No. 5048 of August 9,
1972.
Article 23: The aim of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research
(CONICIT) shall be to promote scientific and technological development for peaceful purposes and in
order to contribute to national social and economic progress.
Article 24: The National Council shall support science and technology management, innovation
and transfer as well as the generation of new knowledge, through the funding of research, the training
of specialized human resources, consulting and scientific and technological information and other
technical services.
For such purposes, with the agreement of the Executive Board and in accordance with the respective
regulations, it may grant loans to promote technological development and scientific research and
donate equipment and material to nonprofitmaking laboratories or research centers in the public or
private sector. Likewise, it may transfer to the beneficiary, in whole or in part, the intellectual
property right arising from a research or development project, where such a project has been funded
using resources from the said institution in special cases, in accordance with the regulations and with
the agreement of the Executive Board.
CHAPTER V
Scientific and Technological Register
Article 25: In order to guarantee cooperation with regard to decisionmaking between the entities
and bodies which make up the National Science and Technology System and to contribute to efforts to
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keep all those concerned informed with regard to science and technology, a Science and Technology
Register shall be established in which the following shall be recorded:
(a) technology-based companies;
(b) research and development centers or units in the private and public sectors;
(c) classifications of human resources specialized in science and technology that include persons
engaged in research;
(d) scientific and technological research projects;
(e) units providing scientific and technological services;
(f) information on technical cooperation agreements, treaties and projects in the fields of science
and technology;
(g) information on public expenditure on science and technology;
(i) technology transfer contracts signed with foreign companies;
(j) information and documentation centers for science and technology;
(k) any other aspect indicated by the regulations.
The regulations of the Scientific and Technological Register shall define its functioning, its
organizational structure and those cases where registration is compulsory in order to obtain the
benefits provided for by this Law.
Article 26: The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) shall be
responsible for administering and organizing the said Register.
Article 27: The purposes of the Register shall be as follows:
(a) to quantify the resources earmarked for science and technology, whether they be national or
foreign, public or private, budgetary or extra-budgetary;
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(b) to serve as a source of information for those interested in national scientific and technological
activities, for the corresponding actions.
Article 28: The private sector and the institutions and bodies of the public administration shall
compile and systematize the information they have to use in their normal activities in the Register.
Article 29: The signature of technology transfer contracts shall be compulsory for public
companies and voluntary for private companies.
TITLE III
RESOURCES AND MECHANISMS TO STIMULATE
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER I
Incentives Commission for Science and Technology
Article 30: Within the National Science and Technology System and in order to facilitate the
enforcement of this Law, an Incentives Commission for Science and Technology shall be set up,
attached to the Ministry of Science and Technology and hereinafter referred to as the “Incentives
Commission”, as part of the institutional economic policy framework of the Executive and as a
complement to sectoral policies in industry, exports, agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
Article 31: The purpose of this Commission shall be to classify and select natural persons or legal
entities who/which are deserving of the incentives provided for by this Law, with the exception of the
incentives granted under the regime for the promotion of researchers, as recommended to it by the
National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT).
Article 32: In order to achieve the above-mentioned goal, the State shall have access to the
resources allocated to the Ministry of Science and Technology and to the cooperation that shall be
afforded by the public institutions belonging to the National Science and Technology System, in
accordance with their founding acts.
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Article 33: In order to achieve its goals, the Commission shall be advised by the technical experts
and specialists from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research, as well as by the
institutions of higher education, private centers and specialized public centers, depending on the
benefit to be granted and the competences of each of them.
Article 34: The Incentives Commission shall be made up of representatives of the private, public
and higher education sectors, as follows:
(a) the Minister of Science and Technology or his representative, who shall chair the Commission;
(b) two representatives of the Ministry of Finance, one from the General Directorate of Revenue and
the other from the Budget Authority;
(c) a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock;
(d) a representative of the Ministry of the Economy, Industry and Trade;
(e) a representative of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT);
(f) three university representatives appointed by the National Council of University Rectors
(CONARE);
(g) a representative of the National Chamber of Agriculture and Agroindustry;
(h) a representative of the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica;
(i) a representative selected by the Ministry of Science and Technology, from a short list submitted
by the National Union of Chambers and Associations of Private Enterprise.
Article 35: The administrative procedures of this Commission and appeals against its actions shall
be regulated by the provisions of the General Law of Public Administration in every matter that does
not contravene this Law.
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CHAPTER II
Incentive contracts for the promotion
and development of science and technology
Article 36: Incentive contracts for the promotion and development of science and technology,
hereinafter referred to as “the contracts”, are hereby established as tools for granting the benefits set
out in this Law to productive goods and services companies in both the public and private sectors.
Such contracts shall be signed in accordance with the provisions of Article 38 of this Law and its
Regulations. They shall not cover the incentives on offer under the regime for the promotion of
researchers, such incentives giving rise to the signing of contracts with the National Council for
Scientific and Technological Research, in accordance with Article 44 of this Law and its Regulations.
Article 37: Incentive contracts shall indicate the incentives and stimuli that the State grants to
natural persons or legal entities who/which are deserving of the benefits provided for under this Law.
The contracts shall define the rights and obligations of both parties, in accordance with the provisions
of this Law, its Regulations and the requirements of the Incentives Commission, laid down in Articles
30 et seq. of this Law.
Article 38: Incentive contracts shall be authorized by the Incentives Commission upon the
submission of applications qualifying within the National Science and Technology Program. They
shall be signed by the Minister of Science and Technology, representing the State, and by the
beneficiary or his representative. The maximum duration of such contracts shall be five years, and
they may be extended in cases which qualify, if the Law and its Regulations so allow.
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CHAPTER III
Resources for funding incentives
for the development of science and technology
Article 39: The Incentives Fund for Scientific and Technological Development shall be
established in order to grant funding for plans, programs and projects developed in light of the
implementation of the present Law.
The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) shall receive the
revenues from the Incentives Fund and shall include them in its annual budget and manage them by
means of a special account with a State bank, with separate accounts, which shall be submitted to the
Comptroller General of the Republic for consideration and approval.
The Incentives Fund shall be financed from the following revenue sources:
(a) the Executive shall include in the first ordinary or extraordinary budget which it sends to the
Legislative Assembly following the adoption of this Law a share of not less than one hundred
million Costa Rican colones (₡100,000,000), which shall be earmarked for achieving the goals of
this Law. In the following ordinary budgets, this share may be increased by annual increments of
fifty million Costa Rican colones (₡50,000,000), up to a maximum of two hundred and fifty million
Costa Rican colones (₡250,000,000), which shall continue to be included in each ordinary budget;
(b) donations, transfers, contributions and inputs by natural persons and legal entities, public or
private, national or foreign.
Public sector institutions shall continue to be authorized to include contributions for this Fund in
their budgets, in addition to the specific budget earmarked for science and technology, in accordance
with Article 97 of this Law.
The amounts paid into the Fund shall benefit from the income tax exemptions established in Article
8(q) of Law No. 7092 of April 21, 1988.
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The last paragraph of this indent was tacitly repealed by the Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992
Regulating Exemptions in Force, Derogations and Exceptions
(c) the special contributions which, in accordance with the Regulations, shall be paid in by
companies that benefit from the incentives established in this Law, once they have achieved
adequate growth and are established;
(d) other forms of funding and taxes established for this purpose.
The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) is hereby authorized to
sign contracts, create trusteeships and set up any other mechanism, if the legal system in force so
allows, with a view to increasing and administering the resources of this Fund, receiving donations
and funding, and benefitting from national or foreign cooperation in fulfillment of the objectives of
this Law.
CHAPTER IV
Use of resources to encourage science and technology
Article 40: The resources referred to in the preceding Article shall be intended for the following
purposes, according to the provisions of this Law:
(a) incentives for researchers, human resource training and research and outreach projects shall be
utilized as follows:
(1) salary incentives to improve the financial status of the persons conducting research;
(2) additional grants for studies involving science and technology and postgraduate
programs, in institutions of higher education, in order to encourage the training of human
resources in these fields;
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(3) support and funding for fairs, events and any activities for the dissemination and
popularization of science and technology that are deemed to be in the national interest,
including any such activities carried out by private entities, hereby declared to be of
public interest;
(4) co-funding for the Scientific Colleges;
(5) funding of awards to encourage the dissemination of science and technology;
(6) funding for the creation, development and maintenance of infrastructure, teams, human
resources and the implementation of projects by centers, as well as for research and
outreach units and programs in fields of national interest;
(7) co-funding of projects involving research, technology transfer and information services
which are carried out by State university institutions of higher education and non-profit-
making private scientific and technological entities, in basic or applied science and
technology management.
(b) incentives for building companies’ technological capacities, which are to be used as follows:
(1) co-funding of technological innovation projects and projects involving the rational use of
energy in goods and service companies.
Amended by Law No. 7447 of November 3, 1994 Regulating the Rational Use of Energy
(2) co-funding of technology management for industrial restructuring and agricultural
modernization;
(3) co-funding of a venture capital fund to facilitate the creation of technology-based
companies;
(4) co-funding of national programs for new technologies and activities for the establishment
and development of technology parks;
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(5) co-funding of the technology transfer process for organized groups in rural areas by
research centers of institutions of higher education;
(c) other incentives which may be granted based on the provisions of this Law.
Article 41: The Ministry of Science and Technology, as the body in charge of the National
Science and Technology System, acting in consultation with the Incentives Commission and the
Executive Board of CONICIT, shall define annually the percentage of resources created by this Law,
to be allocated to each of the activities listed in the foregoing Article, taking into account the proposals
of the National Science and Technology Program.
Article 42: The percentages fixed for each heading according to the preceding Article shall be
budgeted by The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT), in
accordance with the provisions regulating this field, and their disposal shall be subject to the oversight
of the Comptroller General of the Republic and the Ministry of Finance, as appropriate.
TITLE IV
Incentives for research, human resource training
and scientific and technological development
CHAPTER I
Professional promotion and incentives for researchers
Article 43: A promotion scheme for researchers, also known as the “promotion scheme”, is
hereby created, which consists of a merit and performance scale to encourage nationwide training and
integration of a highly qualified team of researchers, dedicated to the conduct of activities and projects
in the fields of science and technology.
Article 44: The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) and the
National Council of University Rectors (CONARE) shall jointly set the requirements for registration
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and maintenance in the Promotion Scheme for Researchers in the respective Regulations, taking the
following factors into consideration:
(a) researchers shall be registered as such in the Scientific and Technological Register;
(b) researchers shall carry out research projects for the entire period during which they receive
benefits;
(c) projects qualifying as being of national interest in accordance with the evaluation criteria of
the respective regulations, in conformity with the National Science and Technology Program, or for
their scientific value;
(d) researchers shall sign contracts with the National Council for Scientific and Technological
Research (CONICIT) and shall comply with the obligations stipulated therein. Contracts shall run
for two years, but may be extended at the discretion of CONICIT depending on the quality of the
results obtained by researchers.
Article 45: The National Council shall classify, monitor and evaluate the activities of the
researchers who participate in this promotion scheme.
Article 46: The promotion scheme for researchers shall offer the following benefits:
(a) financial compensation in addition to the salary received as a researcher in a scientific and
technological research and development entity/body, in accordance with the scale established by
the Regulations for said scheme.
(b) repealed by Article 22(i) of Law No. 8114 of July 4, 2001 on Tax Simplification and
Efficiency
(c) One-time exemption from all taxes, duties or surcharges for the import of a vehicle with a
cylinder capacity of up to 1,600 c.c., which has been used for at least one year, and the household
belongings of a researcher who has spent two consecutive years or more outside the Republic,
engaged in research work or studies through which he has obtained the academic rank of a
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master’s, doctorate or the equivalent thereof, according to the assessment of the National Council
of University Rectors (CONARE). The General Directorate of Revenue shall authorize the release
of vehicles imported under this regulation, once five years have passed, beginning from the date of
acceptance of the corresponding import permit. In the case of transfer to a third party that is
subsequent to or simultaneous with the date of release, the purchaser shall pay only twenty-five per
cent (25%) of the tax established under Article 10 of Law No. 7088 of November 30, 1978.
Tacitly repealed by Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992 on the Regulation of Exemptions in Force,
Derogations and Exceptions
Article 47: Incentives for researchers forming part of the promotion scheme for researchers,
pursuant to the preceding Article, in the case of subparagraph (a), shall be granted by the National
Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT). The Ministry of Science and
Technology (MICIT) shall recommend that the Ministry of Finance arrange for the deductions and
exemptions indicated in subparagraphs (b) and (c).
Article 48: With a view to optimizing nationwide use of specialized human resources and linking
the research sector to the productive sector, researchers who have received grants to study for a
master’s, doctorate or equivalent according to Article 46(c) shall exceptionally be authorized by the
State university of higher education that has awarded the grant, upon their return, to meet their work
commitment by working part-time for a national company, under an incentive contract, in accordance
with this Law.
For the above-mentioned purposes, there shall be an agreement between the institution, the
company and the researcher, and the job, project or research to be carried out in the company shall be
related to the specialized area of study of the researcher and shall be of interest for national
development.
Article 49: The benefits indicated in Article 46(c) shall be extended to national or foreign
scientists or technical experts with proven expertise abroad in the field of science or technology,
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whose entry into the country is deemed appropriate in the view of the National Council for Scientific
and Technological Research (CONICIT), according to the provisions of the Regulations, provided
that, when they enter the country, they carry out research or undertake to provide their services to an
institution of higher education and sign a contract, in accordance with the provisions of the
Regulations.
Tacitly repealed by Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992 Regulating Exemptions in Force, Derogations
and Exceptions
Article 50: The exemptions referred to in Article 46(c) shall be forfeited if there is a change in the
use of the exempted object, in which case the respective taxes shall have to be paid, without prejudice
to the implementation of the penalties provided for in the Tax Code for cases of tax evasion. The
National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) shall work together with the
Ministry of Finance to ensure the correct use of exemptions.
Tacitly repealed by Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992 Regulating Exemptions in Force, Derogations
and Exceptions
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CHAPTER II
Scientific and technological training
Article 51: The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) shall
fund an annual program of postgraduate grants concerning institutions recognized at the national level
and abroad for their excellence in fields of interest in terms of national scientific and technological
development and according to the priorities or guidance of the National Science and Technology
Program. Such funding shall come from both international cooperation and new resources stipulated in
this Law or other available resources.
Article 52: The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT), acting in
coordination with the National Council of University Rectors (CONARE) and in line with the
principle of university autonomy, shall establish programs for the allocation of grants and other
incentives aimed at increasing the percentage of students studying science and technology in State
university institutions of higher education. Such programs shall be updated annually.
Article 53: The Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT) and the National Council for
Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT), acting in coordination with the National Council
of Rectors (CONARE), shall propose to the Ministry of Public Education programs and projects aimed
at improving the teaching of the sciences and technical education, as well as annual programs for
strengthening events in areas of interest in terms of national science and technology, which could
benefit from CONICIT funding.
Article 54: The National Science and Technology Center shall be established with a view to
disseminating advances in science and technology and ensuring the participation of Costa Ricans in
such advances, as well as encouraging children, young people and adults to consider a career in
research.
The Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Council for Scientific and Technological
Research (CONICIT) and State university institutions of higher education, as well as any other public
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body, shall continue to be authorized to make transfers and donations and to provide the trained
human resources required by the entity responsible for administering and managing the Center.
Article 55: With a view to stimulating creativity, a research-oriented mindset, scientific thinking
and science and technology skills in students, the National Science and Technology Fair shall be
organized annually by the third and fourth secondary school cycles. The Ministry of Science and
Technology (MICIT), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) and
the Ministry of Public Education shall be responsible for organizing this event, in cooperation with the
State university institutions of higher education.
CHAPTER III
Creation of Scientific Colleges
Article 56: The Ministry of Public Education shall be authorized to sign agreements with State
university institutions of higher education and other academic or scientific research entities recognized
for their excellence, for the establishment of the Scientific Colleges of Costa Rica, which shall
contribute to the achievement of the goals of diversified education, with an emphasis on scientific
education.
Article 57: The goal of the Scientific Colleges shall be to provide their students with a
comprehensive education, imparting the highest Costa Rican values within the framework of an
educational process which emphasizes the acquisition of solid knowledge and skills in terms of the
basics of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and information technology (IT).
The Colleges shall be promoted as an effective option for improving the teaching of the sciences,
without detriment to other alternatives that may be developed.
Article 58: The Higher Education Council shall be responsible for approving study plans, their
respective programs and the regulations relating to evaluation and promotion, without prejudice to the
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specific provisions which, within the legal framework, may be adopted by each College in accordance
with this Law and the respective Regulations.
Article 59: In order to achieve the goals set for the Scientific Colleges, general guidelines shall be
established by the National Council of Scientific Colleges, which shall form part of the Ministry of
Public Education and shall be responsible for the following:
(a) promoting coordination and links between the Colleges;
(b) encouraging the analysis of study plans and programs, with a view to achieving the highest
possible level of academic achievement;
(c) proposing appropriate changes to the plans and programs of the Scientific Colleges to the
Higher Education Council;
(d) issuing rulings on agreements on the establishment of Scientific Colleges prior to their
signing;
(e) establishing selection and admission criteria and requirements for the students of the Scientific
Colleges;
(f) appointing and removing the Executive Director of the National Council of Scientific
Colleges;
(g) ratifying the appointment of the institutional Executive Board proposed by the Academic
Board of each college;
(h) drafting and submitting to the Ministry of Public Education the regulations and provisions
regulating the functioning of the Scientific Colleges and the National Council of Scientific
Colleges.
Article 60: The National Council of Scientific Colleges shall consist of:
(a) the Minister of Public Education, who shall chair the Council;
24
(b) two representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology;
(c) a representative of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research
(CONICIT);
(d) four university representatives appointed by the National Council of Rectors (CONARE);
(e) a representative of the National Chamber of Agriculture and Agroindustry;
(f) a representative of the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica;
(g) a representative chosen by the Ministry of Education from a short list submitted by the Union
of Chambers and Associations of Private Enterprise.
Article 61: In terms of organizational structure, the Scientific Colleges shall have, as a minimum,
an Academic Council, an Administrative Board and an Institutional Executive, the specific functions
of which shall be defined by means of regulations. The Colleges shall be responsible for selecting and
appointing the teaching and administrative staff, who shall not be part of the civil service system.
During the first four years of operation, the Colleges shall be partly funded from the resources
established in Article 39 of this Law. During this period and thereafter, the State shall provide funding
in the form of resources from the national budget.
The Scientific Colleges shall have their own legal personality and shall be regulated by the
provisions of this Chapter, by the Regulations issued for this purpose by the Ministry of Public
Education, and by the respective agreements under which they are established.
25
CHAPTER IV
Incentives for the dissemination of science and technology
Article 62: Every two years, the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research
(CONICIT) shall award a prize to the publishing or related firm that has best met the goal of
dissemination of works of scientific and technological interest. The amount of the prize shall be
established in the Regulations. CONICIT may decide not to award this prize.
Article 63: The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) may, on
an annual basis, give special recognition to the promoters and organizers of the best activity or
initiative in terms of the dissemination of science and technology, according to the provisions of the
Regulations.
Article 64: The awards established by this Law shall be granted without prejudice to other
existing national prizes for science and technology or those which may be created at a later date.
CHAPTER V
Incentives to strengthen research and outreach units and centers
Article 65: The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) shall
provide financial support for research and outreach programs and projects, the improvement of
infrastructure and equipment, and the strengthening of postgraduate programs, as well as other
activities referred to in Article 40, which are carried out by units and centers recognized at the national
level for their excellence, in accordance with the National Science and Technology Program.
For such purposes, CONICIT may use the resources created by this Law in accordance with
Articles 43 and 44, those earmarked in its own budgets and funds arising from international
cooperation.
26
CHAPTER VI
Organization of the scientific community
Article 66: With the resources created by this Law and others at the disposal of The National
Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) and the Ministry of Science and
Technology (MICIT), both institutions shall promote the establishment and contribute to the
development of at least two bodies for the organization of the national scientific community, a
National Academy of Sciences and an Association for the Advancement of the Sciences.
The functioning and administration of both entities shall be independent of CONICIT and MICIT,
and they shall be represented in the National Science and Technology System.
TITLE V
Incentives for technological research and development in companies
CHAPTER I
Incentives for technological research and development
by companies and private scientific entities
Article 67: The State shall exempt from all taxes and surcharges, subject to the study and
approval of the Incentives Commission, the equipment or material defined in the Regulations for this
Law, so that they may be exported (sic)* and used exclusively in the development of scientific and
technological research activities and projects at their various stages.
Once five years have passed, beginning from the date of acceptance of the import permit, the
General Directorate for Revenue shall authorize the release of the imported goods.
*Should be understood as “imported”.
27
Tacitly repealed by Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992 Regulating Exemptions in Force, Derogations
and Exceptions
Article 68: Goods purchased on the local market shall be exempt from all taxes where they are
intended for scientific and technological research or development projects which foster national
production, subject to classification and study by the Incentives Commission. For the purposes of the
release of the goods acquired under the protection of this Article, a period of five years must have
passed, beginning from the date of issue of the corresponding invoice.
Tacitly repealed by Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992 Regulating Exemptions in Force, Derogations
and Exceptions
Article 69: The Regulations shall define the selection criteria for the granting of the incentives
provided for in Articles 67 and 68, preferably to:
(a) companies which supply the State with goods and services that have a high technology
content;
(b) companies in which the results of technological innovation projects have boosted exports;
(c) companies whose technological innovation projects are linked to the research centers of State
institutions of higher education;
(d) private scientific and technological entities or associations.
Tacitly repealed by Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992 Regulating Exemptions in Force, Derogations
and Exceptions
Article 70: Exemptions shall be authorized by the Ministry of Finance, subject to the
recommendation of the Incentives Commission, the signature of the respective incentives contract and
according to the corresponding Regulations.
Tacitly repealed by Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992 Regulating Exemptions in Force, Derogations
and Exceptions
28
Article 71: The Ministry of Finance shall be obliged to ensure preferential, rapid and efficient
handling of the customs formalities required for goods of scientific and technological interest to enter
and leave the country. To this end, it shall allocate and train staff specifically for the handling of such
formalities. It shall also set aside appropriate physical premises in the customs offices to this end.
The system of temporary admission shall apply to the entry of those goods of scientific
interest specified under the Regulations.
Article 72: With regard to the application of the respective laws and contractual and regulatory
clauses, strict controls shall be specified guaranteeing that each incentive is used solely for the
development of scientific and technological research activities and projects, without prejudice to any
supervisory, oversight or tax powers granted to the Comptroller General of the Republic or the tax
authorities.
Article 73: The Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT) shall periodically award prizes
to companies which have achieved noteworthy technological adaptation, assimilation or innovation in
terms of scope or economic and social benefit for the country. The fields eligible for such prizes shall
be industry, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and other areas defined by the National Incentives
Commission.
CHAPTER II
Financing of technological innovation
Article 74: The Ministry of Science and Technology, in consultation with the Incentives
Commission, shall offer annually, in accordance with the rules and provisions of the Central Bank, a
loan scheme which shall be implemented by the State commercial banks that belong to the national
banking system, to finance technological development and rational energy use in new and established
companies in any part of the country.
29
Amended via Article 43 of Law No. 7447 of November 3, 1994 Regulating the Rational Use of
Energy
Article 41 shall serve as a basis for setting the annual amount that the National Council for
Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) shall provide to supplement the resources which
the banks earmark to this end and which make it possible to maintain appropriate interest rates for the
purposes covered by this Law.
Article 75: The National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) shall
contribute to the technical evaluation of projects for the respective processing of bank loans, without
prejudice to any studies or financial evaluations carried out by the bank aimed at ensuring the
feasibility and quality of the technological innovation proposed.
CHAPTER III
Financing of technology management for industrial restructuring
Article 76: The State shall promote national technology management in order to support the
process of national industrial restructuring, with a view to fostering development and technology
transfer in terms of processes involving manufactured goods, products, equipment, raw materials and
other activities of value to companies from the national industrial sector, which have an impact on
their competitiveness, on growth and on the survival of national and international markets.
Article 77: For the purposes of the preceding Article, annual financial and technological
support shall be provided, under the coordination of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT)
and within the framework of the National Science and Technology System, to public and private
companies and to educational institutions which develop technology management programs.
30
CHAPTER VI
State acquisition of goods and services in order to encourage national companies
Article 78: The State, its companies and public entities shall use their ability to procure goods
and services, as far as the subject matter of the procurement allows in each case, to foster and
encourage the establishment and promotion of national technology-based companies, as well as
technological innovation in existing companies, in addition to national consulting and engineering, in
accordance with the National Science and Technology Program.
Article 79: In accordance with Article 78, preference shall be given, on conditions of equality, to
procurement from national suppliers. For such purposes, due consideration shall be given, in addition
to price and quality parameters, to nationwide bids and the social and economic impact on, or benefit
for, Costa Rican society produced by the bidder, in accordance with adequate social and economic
indicators, barring any provisions to the contrary, in international conventions or loan agreements
approved by the Legislative Assembly.
CHAPTER V
Incentives for technology-based companies
Article 80: For the purposes of this Law, technology-based companies shall be defined as
companies which have made technological innovation a priority in terms of maintaining and
improving their competitiveness in the markets in which they operate, on the condition that the
requirements contained in the Regulations are met.
Article 81: Repealed by Article 22(i) of Law No. 8114 of July 4, 2001 on Tax Simplification and
Efficiency.
Article 82: In accordance with Article 81 of this Law, technology-based companies shall enjoy
the exemptions referred to in Articles 67 and 68 for the first three years of operation, once they have
been registered.
31
Tacitly repealed by Law No. 7293 of March 31, 1992 Regulating Exemptions in Force, Derogations
and Exceptions.
Article 83: Technology-based companies which are established in technology parks shall enjoy
the incentives provided for by this Law for a period of five years.
Article 84: National companies which do not meet all of the requirements set out in the
Regulations for technology-based companies but which submit a program of sustained investment,
technological research and development and other related activities, may benefit from some or all of
the incentives granted to technology-based companies, following a stringent examination by the
Incentives Commission.
Article 85: Foreign companies which establish technological research and development centers in
the country, in coordination with national research centers, and which employ a sufficient number of
Costa Rican staff as stipulated by the Regulations, shall be entitled to some or all of the incentives
granted to technology-based companies, following a stringent examination by the Incentives
Commission.
Article 86: Foreign companies which invest in the country and which transfer technology to other
Costa Rican individuals or companies shall be entitled to the foregoing benefits, following study and
certification by the Incentives Commission establishing that they meet the requirements of this Law
and its Regulations, and the signature of an incentives contract stipulating the respective technology
transfer agreement.
Article 87: Tax credits shall be granted to third party natural persons or legal entities acquiring
shares in technology-based companies that allow shareholder participation by third parties. Such
credits shall be equal to up to 25 per cent of the value of the registered shares acquired.
Technology-based companies that allow shareholder participation shall be entitled to a tax credit
of 25 per cent of the value of the shares sold.
32
In both cases, the shares in question must have been acquired on the National Stock Market and
must be from new share issues.
CHAPTER VI
Incentives for the establishment of technology parks
and support for new technologies
Article 88: The State, through the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT), shall promote
the creation of technology parks, in cooperation with private enterprise and State institutions for
higher education. Its institutions and bodies shall be authorized to provide any type of resources, with
a view to establishing and developing this type of technology-driven industrial cluster to support the
creation of new technology-based companies.
Article 89: In accordance with Articles 6, 80 and 88 of this Law, incentives shall be provided for
the establishment of technology parks which host technology-based companies, with a view to
boosting growth in the national corporate sector with a high technology content and ensuring that,
through effective links with science and technology infrastructure in universities, this sector becomes a
modernizing force in the country.
Article 90: The establishment of technology parks shall be consistent with the objectives of the
National Science and Technology Program, so as to maximize benefit from new knowledge and the
availability of trained human resources in order to take up the challenges of future development.
Article 91: The Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT), acting on the recommendation of
the Incentives Commission, shall establish, on an annual basis, the amounts of financial support to be
provided to companies which promote technology parks within the framework of the Free Zones Act,
with special support provided for those companies which implement liaison programs between
universities and goods and service companies set up in the technology parks.
33
Article 92: Every year, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT) shall establish programs
for the support of new technologies, in which ties are established between the private sector and
university research centers that facilitate the mainstreaming of such technologies into national
production.
TITLE VI
Incentives to facilitate the use of public sector resources
in science and technology
CHAPTER I
Incentives for the provision of services in the public sector
Article 93: For all legal purposes, research and the provisions of science and technology services
shall be established with the character of “ordinary activity”, and shall be the responsibility of public
bodies, including State university institutions for higher education. These entities may, in turn, sell
technical and technology transfer services to third parties. For both purposes, institutions may employ
the procedures for direct procurement established by the Law on the Financial Administration of the
Republic.
Article 94: State university institutions of higher education shall be entitled and authorized to sell
goods and services linked to research projects, technology development, consulting and special
courses. In order to improve and facilitate the sale of goods and services, the said institutions shall be
entitled and authorized to set up foundations and auxiliary companies.
Article 95: A procedure shall be established to ensure that the funds collected via the sale of
services are channeled rapidly and effectively to the research entities which generate them, with a
view to ensuring the timely availability of those funds and the continuity of scientific and
technological activities.
34
In the case of the sale of services in university centers, funds shall be invested at the discretion of
the university authorities, without detriment to their characteristic autonomy.
CHAPTER II
Incentives for the innovation, development and transfer
of technology in urban and rural communities
Article 96: Research centers, public and private institutions and organized groups in urban and
rural communities which develop programs for the innovation, development and transfer of
technology, with appropriate projects for the development of the different regions of the country, shall
receive financial support by means of the resources indicated in this Law under Articles 39 et seq., or
from any other source to which the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT) or the National
Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT) has access for this purpose. This
process shall be facilitated, subject to selection and approval in accordance with the procedures
provided for in these Regulations.
CHAPTER III
Rationalization of resources for science and technology
in the public administration
Article 97: All of the institutions, entities and bodies of the public administration which develop
or implement science and technology activities as part of their institutional competencies, under the
policy guidelines defined by the National Science and Technology Program, shall be entitled to
earmark a percentage of their annual ordinary budget for the promotion, inventiveness, protection and
development of science and technology research projects, and other activities in these fields, which
foster technological change and national development from within their sphere of activity.
Article 98: The guidelines on the setting, increase and allocation of the budgetary percentage
intended for the foregoing purposes shall be issued by the Executive, through the Ministry of Finance
35
and the Ministry of Science and Technology, in consultation with each one of the institutions, entities
and bodies of the public administration which develop or implement science and technology activities,
taking into consideration the nature of the public institution or body, budget priorities, the amount of
the annual ordinary budget, their links with the field of science and technology and the public interest
in developing the research programs and activities proposed by the institution.
Article 99: The public bodies and institutions referred to in the two preceding Articles shall be
obliged to inform the Ministry of Science and Technology of their respective specific budgets which
include scientific and technological activities, indicating the nature and objectives of the programs in
which these resources are to be used.
Article 100: The Costa Rican State shall promote the modernization and use of the technological
resources employed by the national public sector, and shall ensure an increase in the efficiency of the
entities that go to make up this sector, by means of greater rationalization of technology-related
decisions on the transfer, adaptation, assimilation and generation of technology.
TITLE VII
PENALTIES
SOLE CHAPTER
Penalties
Article 101: Persons who misuse the incentives established by this Law shall be punished by the
loss of the benefit granted. Where the incentive involves a tax exemption or deduction, the amount of
the taxes due in the absence of the exemption/deduction shall be paid.
Article 102: Where fraud, trickery or any other stratagem has been used to mislead in order to
benefit from the incentive, the person who benefits in an irregular fashion, shall be liable to a fine
equivalent to double the amount of the incentive received, in addition to the penalties provided for in
Article 101.
36
Article 103: The foregoing administrative penalties shall be implemented by the respective public
authorities, as the case may be, in accordance with the prevailing legal order and without prejudice to
any possible claims regarding criminal or civil liability.
TITLE VIII
General provisions
SOLE CHAPTER
General provisions
Article 104: A new subparagraph (o) is hereby added to Article 23 of Law No. 6227 of May 2,
1978, the General Law on Public Administration, to read as follows:
“Article 23.-
(1) The ministerial portfolios shall be:
(a) …
(o) Science and Technology”
Article 105: This Law shall constitute a matter of public policy and shall repeal any other general
or special provisions which conflict therewith or prove incompatible with its application.
Article 106: In force from the time of its publication.
Sole transitional article: The Executive shall issue Regulations for this Law within a period of six
months following its publication. However, the lack of such Regulations shall not affect its
application. Likewise, the specific Regulations referred to in this Law shall be issued within the same
period. These Regulations shall be drafted in consultation with the sectors involved.
To be communicated to the Executive
Legislative Assembly. San José, June 13, 1999.
- TITULO I Principios
- TITULO II Mecanismos Organizativos para el Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico
- TITULO III RECURSOS Y MECANISMOS PARA INCENTIVAR EL DESARROLLO CIENTÍFICO Y TECNOLÓGICO
- CAPITULO I Comisión de Incentivos para la Ciencia y Tecnología
- CAPITULO II Contrato de Incentivos para la Promoción y el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
- CAPITULO III Recursos para Financiar los Incentivos para el Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico
- CAPITULO IV Uso de los Recursos para Incentivar la Ciencia y la Tecnología
- TITULO IV Incentivos para la Investigación, la Formación de Recursos Humanos y el Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico
- CAPITULO I Promoción Profesional e Incentivos para el Investigador
- CAPITULO II Formación Científica y Tecnológica
- CAPITULO III Creación de los Colegios Científicos
- CAPITULO IV Incentivos para la Difusión de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
- CAPITULO V Incentivos para el Fortalecimiento de las Unidades y Centros de Investigación y Extensión
- CAPITULO VI Organización de la Comunidad Científica
- TITULO V Incentivos para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Tecnológico de las empresas
- CAPITULO I Incentivos para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Tecnológico de las Empresas y las Entidades Científicas Privadas
- CAPITULO II Financiamiento de la innovación Tecnológica
- CAPITULO III Financiamiento de la Gestión Tecnológica para la Reconversión Industrial
- CAPITULO VI Adquisiciones Estatales de Bienes y Servicios para el Fomento de Empresas Nacionales
- CAPITULO V Incentivos para las Empresas de Base Tecnológica
- CAPITULO VI Incentivos para el Establecimiento de Parques Tecnológicos y Apoyo a Nuevas Tecnologías
- TITULO VI Incentivos para Facilitar el uso de los Recursos del Sector Público en Ciencia y Tecnología
- CAPITULO I Incentivos para la Prestación de Servicios en el Sector Público
- CAPITULO II Incentivos para la Innovación, Desarrollo y Transferencia de Tecnología en las Comunidades Urbanas y Rurales
- CAPITULO III Racionalización de los Recursos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología en la Administración Pública
- TITULO VII SANCIONES
- TITULO VIII Disposiciones Generales
LEY DE PROMOCION DEL DESARROLLO CIENTIFICO Y TECNOLOGICO
LEY NO. 7169
Principios
Objetivos
Artículo 1: Para los propósitos del desarrollo científico y tecnológico objeto de esta ley, se fija como objetivo general facilitar la investigación científica y la innovación tecnológica, que conduzcan a un mayor avance económico y social en el marco de una estrategia de desarrollo sostenido integral, con el propósito de conservar para las futuras generaciones, los recursos naturales del país y garantice al costarricense una mejor calidad de vida y bienestar, así como un mejor conocimiento de sí mismo y de la sociedad.
Artículo 2: El objetivo de largo plazo para el desarrollo científico y tecnológico será crear las condiciones para cumplir con una política en esta materia.
Artículo 3: Son objetivos específicos para el desarrollo científico y tecnológico: ch) Crear las condiciones adecuadas para que la ciencia y la tecnología cumplan con su papel instrumental de ser factores básicos para lograr mayor competitividad y crecimiento del sector productivo nacional.
Deberes y Responsabilidades del Estado
Artículo 4: De conformidad con los objetivos de la presente ley, el Estado tiene los siguientes deberes: ch) Estimular, garantizar y promover la libertad constitucional de la enseñanza y de la investigación científica y tecnológica.
Artículo 5: Todas las entidades relacionadas con ciencia y tecnología, así como los órganos públicos estatales, podrán colaborar con el cumplimiento de esta ley, de conformidad con su naturaleza y competencia.
Artículo 6: De acuerdo con el Programa Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología vigente, el Estado fomentará los estudios, aplicaciones, desarrollo y creación de empresas en las áreas de nuevas tecnologías necesarias para el desarrollo del país.
Mecanismos Organizativos para el Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico
El Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología
Artículo 7: Créase el Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, dentro del marco de sectorización del Estado. El Sistema está constituido por el conjunto de instituciones, entidades y órganos del sector público, del sector privado y de las instituciones de investigación y de educación superior, cuyas actividades principales se enmarquen en el campo de la ciencia y la tecnología o que dediquen una porción de su presupuesto y recursos humanos a actividades científicas y tecnológicas.
Artículo 8: Se declaran de interés público las actividades científicas y tecnológicas sin fines de lucro, realizadas por las entidades que forman parte del Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología.
Artículo 9: De conformidad con la Ley de Planificación Nacional, el Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología tendrá como objetivo general coordinar y ejecutar todas aquellas disposiciones que sean establecidas por los órganos políticos superiores, lo mismo que integrar las gestiones de los particulares para la coordinación del desarrollo científico, así como para la aplicación del conocimiento de la ciencia y la tecnología, para el bienestar social y económico del país.
Artículo 10: Por medio del Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología se pretende alcanzar la concertación de intereses de los órganos y entidades de los sectores mencionados, y su colaboración, a efecto de lograr la coordinación nacional en materia de ciencia y tecnología, para el desarrollo integral del país. Con ello se establecerán las directrices y políticas, que serán vinculantes para el sector público y orientadoras para el sector privado y de educación superior.
Artículo 11: El rector del Sistema será el Ministro de Ciencia y Tecnología, quien mantendrá la necesaria comunicación con cada uno de los Ministros Rectores de los distintos sectores de la Administración Pública, a fin de coordinar las acciones de desarrollo científico y tecnológico con las políticas sectoriales y sus resultados.
Artículo 12: Sin perjuicio de la autonomía que les otorga el artículo 84 de la Constitución Política, las universidades estatales forman parte del Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, únicamente para que participen en sus deliberaciones, con el objeto de que, por medio de los mecanismos legalmente pertinentes, se pueda lograr la necesaria coordinación con ellas.
Artículo 13: Para que una institución de educación superior privada pertenezca al Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología y goce de los beneficios que esta ley concede, deberá contar por lo menos con un centro de investigación que calificado como tal, según el reglamento de esta ley, a juicio del Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y
Tecnológicas (CONICIT). Además, deberá dedicar una parte de su presupuesto a investigación y desarrollo.
Artículo 14: Las instituciones privadas de educación superior que formen parte del Sistema, deberán atender las orientaciones y políticas generales de interés público en materia de formación profesional, en los campos de la ciencia y la tecnología.
Artículo 15: El Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología será el que defina los mecanismos y los niveles de coordinación, asesoría y ejecución, para la concertación entre los sectores involucrados en la actividad científica y tecnológica nacional, así como para establecer su ámbito de competencia y su estructura organizativa.
El Programa Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología
Artículo 16: El Programa Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología es el instrumento de planificación del desarrollo científico y tecnológico que propone el Gobierno de la República en el período de su administración. Tendrá una perspectiva de corto, mediano y largo plazo que permita dar continuidad y proyección a los esfuerzos de los sectores público, privado y de educación superior, en esta materia.
Artículo 17: Este Programa será parte integrante del Plan Nacional de Desarrollo y con fundamento en sus lineamientos de desarrollo socioeconómico, contendrá los objetivos, políticas, estrategias y planes de acción traducidos en proyectos específicos para el período en cuestión.
Artículo 18: El Programa será vinculante para el sector público e indicativo para el sector privado y para las instituciones de educación superior universitaria estatal, con respecto a la autonomía institucional que establece la Constitución Política.
Artículo 19: Para su elaboración, el Programa se someterá a los diversos niveles de coordinación de los sectores integrantes del Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, con el propósito de obtener la armonización de los intereses e iniciativas allí representados.
El Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología
Artículo 20: El Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología, MICIT, tendrá las siguientes atribuciones: ch) Otorgar, según el caso, la concesión de los incentivos que esta ley establece mediante la suscripción del contrato de incentivos científicos y tecnológicos, previa recomendación de la Comisión de Incentivos.
Artículo 21: Las competencias del Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (MICIT) serán ejercidas por su Ministro, salvo que sean delegadas por él mismo, o por disposición del reglamento, siempre que no sean las reservadas al Poder Ejecutivo, según la Constitución Política y los artículos 27 y 28 de la Ley General de la Administración Pública.
El Consejo Nacional para Investigación Científicas y Tecnológicas
Artículo 22: El Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, como institución autónoma con personalidad jurídica y patrimonio propio, estará regulado por la Ley 5048 del 9 de agosto de 1972.
Artículo 23: El objetivo del Consejo Nacional para Investigación Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT) es el de promover el desarrollo científico y tecnológico para fines pacíficos y para contribuir al progreso socioeconómico del país.
Artículo 24: El Consejo Nacional para Investigación Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT) apoyará la gestión, la innovación y la transferencia científica y tecnológica así como la generación de nuevo conocimiento, mediante el financiamiento de la investigación, la formación de recursos humanos especializados, la asesoría e información científica y tecnológica y otros servicios técnicos.
Para tales efectos, a juicio del Consejo Director, y de conformidad con el reglamento respectivo, podrá otorgar préstamos destinados a promover el desarrollo tecnológico y la investigación científica y donar equipo y materiales a laboratorios o centros de investigación del sector público o privado que no tengan fines de lucro. Asimismo podrá ceder, total o parcialmente, al beneficiario el derecho de propiedad intelectual resultante de un proyecto de investigación o de desarrollo, cuando haya sido financiado con recursos de la referida institución en casos especiales, según el reglamento, y a juicio del Consejo Director.
Registro Científico y Tecnológico
Artículo 25: Para la colaboración en la toma de decisiones por parte de los entes y órganos que componen el Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, y para contribuir en la información de todos los interesados en materia de ciencia y tecnología se crea el Registro Científico y Tecnológico, en el que se inscribirán: ch) Proyectos de investigación en ciencia y tecnología. El reglamento del Registro Científico y Tecnológico se definirá su funcionamiento, su organización y los casos de inscripción obligatoria para obtener los beneficios que esta ley establece.
Artículo 26: Le corresponderá al Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT) la administración y organización del citado registro.
Artículo 27: Los objetivos de este registro son: Artículo 28: El sector privado y las instituciones y órganos de la Administración Pública deberán recopilar y sistematizar, la información que dentro de sus actividades ordinarias deban ser utilizadas en este registro.
Artículo 29: La inscripción de los contratos de transferencia de tecnología será obligatoria para las empresas públicas y voluntaria para las empresas privadas.
RECURSOS Y MECANISMOS PARA INCENTIVAR EL DESARROLLO CIENTÍFICO Y TECNOLÓGICO
Comisión de Incentivos para la Ciencia y Tecnología
Artículo 30: Dentro del Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología y para facilitar el cumplimiento de esta ley, se crea la Comisión de Incentivos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología, adscrita al Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología, y en adelante denominada Comisión de Incentivos, como parte del marco institucional de política económica del Poder Ejecutivo y complemento de las políticas sectoriales en industria, exportaciones, agricultura, actividades pecuarias y pesca.
Artículo 31: El objetivo de esta Comisión es clasificar y seleccionar aquellas personas físicas o jurídicas merecedoras de los incentivos, que establece esta ley con excepción de los incentivos otorgados por el régimen de promoción del investigador, que los recomendará el Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT).
Artículo 32: Para el cumplimiento del citado objetivo, el Estado dispondrá de los recursos asignados al Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología y de la colaboración que deberán brindar las instituciones públicas que pertenezcan al Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, según se lo permitan sus leyes constitutivas.
Artículo 33: Para cumplir con sus objetivos, la Comisión será asesorada por los técnicos y expertos del Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT), por las instituciones de educación superior, por los centros privados, y por los entres públicos especializados, según el beneficio que se quiera otorgar y la competencia de cada uno de ellos.
Artículo 34: La Comisión de Incentivos estará integrada por representantes de los sectores privado, público y de educación superior de la siguiente manera: ch) Un representante del Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio.
Artículo 35: Los procedimientos administrativos de esta Comisión y los recursos contra sus actos, serán regulados por las disposiciones de la Ley General de Administración Pública en todo lo que no contravenga la presente ley.
Contrato de Incentivos para la Promoción y el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
Artículo 36: Créase el contrato de incentivos para la promoción y desarrollo de la ciencia y la tecnología, en adelante denominado Contrato, como el instrumento para otorgar los beneficios que esta ley dispone para las empresas productivas, de bienes y servicios, públicas y privadas, contratos que deberán suscribirse de acuerdo con lo que disponen el artículo 38 de esta ley y su reglamento. Quedan excluidos de este contrato los incentivos del régimen de promoción del investigador, los que darán lugar a la suscripción de un contrato con el Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT), conforme con el artículo 44 de esta ley y su reglamento.
Artículo 37: En el contrato de incentivos se indicarán los incentivos y estímulos que el Estado otorga a la persona física o jurídica que se haga merecedora de los beneficios que esta ley establece. En él se definirán los derechos y obligaciones de ambas partes, de conformidad con lo que dispone esta ley, su reglamento y las especificaciones de la Comisión de Incentivos, establecidos en el artículo 30 y siguientes de esta ley.
Artículo 38: El contrato de incentivos será autorizado por la Comisión de Incentivos previa presentación de solicitud que califique dentro del Programa Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología. Deberá ser firmado por el Ministro de Ciencia y Tecnología, en representación del Estado, y por el beneficiario o su representante. El plazo máximo de vigencia de estos contratos será de cinco años, pudiendo prorrogarse en casos calificados, según lo permita la ley y su reglamento.
Recursos para Financiar los Incentivos para el Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico
Artículo 39: Para otorgarle contenido financiero a los planes, programas y proyectos que se desarrollen en virtud de la aplicación de la presente ley, se crea el Fondo de Incentivos al Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico.
El Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT) percibirá los ingresos del Fondo de Incentivos, los que deberá incluir en su presupuesto anual y manejar a través de una cuenta especial en un Banco del Estado, con una contabilidad separada, la cual deberá ser sometida a la consideración y aprobación de la Contraloría General de la República.
El Fondo de Incentivos obtendrá su financiamiento de las siguientes fuentes de ingresos: Quedan autorizadas las instituciones del sector público para incluir aportes en sus presupuestos para este Fondo, además del presupuesto específico que destinen para ciencia y tecnología conforme con el artículo 97 de esta ley.
Las sumas que se le entreguen al Fondo gozarán de las exenciones del impuesto sobre la renta establecidas en el inciso q) del artículo 8º, de la ley No. 7092 del 21 de abril de 1988.
El párrafo final de este inciso fue derogado en forma tácita por la Ley Reguladora de Exoneraciones Vigentes Derogatorias y Excepciones, Ley Número 7293 del 31/03/1992
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