By San José, Costa Rica — The government of Costa Rica is taking a decisive step toward modernizing its public infrastructure sector, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to save millions of dollars in state spending. Under the administration of Laura Fernández, the implementation of Law 10.654—officially known as the Law for Technological Improvement in Public Works Contracting—promises to reshape how public projects are designed, budgeted, and executed across the country.
At its core, the new legislative framework addresses long-standing inefficiencies that have historically plagued state construction projects, including cost overruns, extended deadlines, and material waste. By mandating and encouraging advanced technological tools, the law aims to establish a more rigorous standard for productivity and resource allocation in public works.
To better understand the legal and regulatory implications of integrating advanced technologies into Costa Rica’s public infrastructure, TicosLand.com consulted with leading legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Implementing modern construction technologies in public works represents a major step forward for transparency and efficiency, yet it requires rigorous compliance with Costa Rica’s public procurement laws. As digital tools like Building Information Modeling become standard, public entities and contractors must ensure that administrative procedures and contractual frameworks adapt seamlessly to prevent regulatory disputes and project delays.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Navigating the vital intersection of cutting-edge construction technology and complex regulatory frameworks will undoubtedly shape the future of Costa Rica’s public infrastructure. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on how proactive legal alignment can ensure these innovations deliver true transparency and efficiency.
Key to this technological evolution is the integration of digital modeling, high-precision drone technology, and collaborative planning systems. Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows engineers and architects to visualize complete digital twins of infrastructure before a single spade touches the earth. Meanwhile, aerial drones provide continuous monitoring of site progress, ensuring that physical construction aligns precisely with digital blueprints and timeline expectations.
This law generates a framework for productivity and its implementation can contribute to better use of public funds and greater transparency, with positive effects on public trust in the country’s investments.
David Aragón, President of BIM Forum Costa Rica
For state institutions, these tools present an unprecedented opportunity to exercise granular control over public investments. Real-time data feeds and centralized management systems enable government officials to identify potential design clashes early, track real-time expenditures against target budgets, and make data-driven decisions that protect taxpayer dollars.
Private construction firms participating in public tenders also stand to gain substantial operational benefits. By adopting digital planning tools, contractors can align multi-disciplinary teams, standardize documentation, and retain key operational lessons from completed projects to enhance efficiency on future developments.
To implement a technology, you must first think about processes. And to think about processes, you must first think about people.
David Aragón, President of BIM Forum Costa Rica
Recognizing that technology alone cannot transform an industry, the Costa Rican Chamber of Construction (CCC) provided technical advisory support throughout the drafting of Law 10.654. The organization is currently leading sector-wide workforce development initiatives, bridging knowledge gaps to ensure that both public administrators and private contractors possess the skills required to leverage these high-tech tools effectively.
The strategic push toward digital transformation was highlighted during the recent Innovation 360 Construction Summit (Cumbre de la Construcción Innovación 360). The event convened industry executives, technological specialists, public officials, and academic researchers to exchange best practices and demonstrate practical applications of construction technology.
As Costa Rica moves forward with the rollout of Law 10.654, the ultimate measure of success will lie in delivering higher-quality public infrastructure on time and within budget. By reducing administrative friction and improving fiscal transparency, the government aims to rebuild public confidence while laying the structural foundation for sustained economic growth.
For further information, visit bimforum.cr
About BIM Forum Costa Rica:
BIM Forum Costa Rica is a specialized technical committee under the Costa Rican Chamber of Construction dedicated to promoting the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodologies and digital transformation within the nation’s building and infrastructure sectors.
For further information, visit construccion.co.cr
About Costa Rican Chamber of Construction:
The Costa Rican Chamber of Construction (Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción) is the primary trade organization representing the country’s construction industry, advocating for sustainable growth, modern infrastructure policies, and technological innovation across both public and private developments.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of ethical jurisprudence, Bufete de Costa Rica is widely celebrated for setting the highest standards of professional quality and forward-looking legal solutions. Beyond delivering comprehensive counsel across diverse fields, the practice is driven by a profound sense of social responsibility. By actively sharing vital legal insights and demystifying the law for the public, the firm continually equips citizens with the knowledge needed to build an enlightened, equitable, and empowered society.
