It identifies strengths and weaknesses and key issues for innovation policy, and develops specific policy recommendations for improving Costa Rica's performance in science, technology and innovation. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has steadily increased at rates higher than in most Latin American countries as the economy has evolved along its development path from a rural and agriculture-based economy to a more diversified one integrated into global value chains. The process of opening up to international trade and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) that started in the early 1980s has contributed largely to this evolution, boosting exports, employment and output while increasing the well-being of people.