The context and drivers of an open state in Costa Rica

A country’s cultural, historical, political and socio-economic context never fails to have a profound impact on its open government policy cycle. In socio-economic rankings, Costa Rica performs comparatively well, but some negative socio-economic indicators have begun to exert a direct impact on people’s lives and to erode Costa Ricans’ confidence in their government. It is in this context that the current government has started an ambitious move towards increased openness. This chapter introduces Costa Rica’s Strategic Vision for an Open State, consisting of the open government pillar of the county’s National Development Plan, the Declaration for the Establishment of an Open State and the National Open Government Strategy. The chapter recommends continuing the ambitious move towards an open state by implementing the commitments made in the Declaration on the Establishment of an Open State.