On 15th May 2025, Costa Rica implemented the third Infrastructure Transparency Index (ITI) with their results showing substantial progress compared to previous assessments with a score of 67 in comparison to 53 in 2023, and 48 in 2021.
These results show significant improvements by CoST Costa Rica and their partners in the regulatory environment and in the availability of public information on infrastructure projects. Some of the biggest achievements included:
– Enabling environment: significant jump from 30 to 70 points thanks to regulatory improvements (Law 9986 and Law 10554).
– Dissemination of information: Costa Rica leads internationally with a score of 88.6 in this dimension.
– International comparison: Costa Rica achieves the highest score among the countries evaluated in infrastructure transparency.
The ITI tool evaluates four main dimensions: the enabling environment represented by the regulatory framework and national digital platforms; the capacities and processes that facilitate transparency in the institutions that carry out public works; inclusive citizen participation in the construction of public works; and the disclosure of information in the project cycle.
The results were generated by assessing 30 entities and 60 projects, representing 87% of the budget awarded in public works during the study period, which ensured a nationally representative picture.
“The results of the ITI are a key tool for the whole of Costa Rican society, because they allow us to identify with evidence where the progress and gaps are in the way public investment works are reported and managed. When data on infrastructure is available, understandable and published in a timely manner, citizens can exercise their right to be informed, participate and demand accountability. This translates into better public decisions, less risk of corruption and better results for communities.” said Marisol Castro González, Country Manager CoST Costa Rica.
Key recommendations for continued improvement are:
- strengthening the relationship between internal capacities and citizen participation;
- incorporating the data standard into SICOP their data platform or into a more citizen-friendly platform; and
- using the ITI results to promote institutional improvement plans and continuous training.
CoST Costa Rica will be building on this work.
You can read the full report, or an infographics summary on the CoST and ITI websites.
For more information about CoST Costa Rica can be found on their website or by emailing them at costarica@infrastructuretransparency.org. Follow them on social media: X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
CoST, the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (CoST) is a leading global non-profit improving transparency, participation and accountability in infrastructure to deliver quality infrastructure that improves lives and strengthens economies. Stay up to date with our latest work through our newsletter and our social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, X/Twitter and Facebook.
