Improving the quality and efficiency of education and training in Costa Rica to better
support growth and equity
Education and training are a high priority for Costa Rica that devotes to them more
than 6.5% of GDP, one of the highest spending shares among OECD countries. However,
educational outcomes remain poor and firms struggle to fill their vacancies, particularly
in technical and scientific positions, which may endanger Costa Rica’s capacity to
keep attracting foreign direct investment. Its complex fiscal situation requires Costa
Rica to improve efficiency and quality of public spending in education to better support
growth and equity. There is a fundamental need to improve the quality of early and
general basic education to avoid that too many Costa Ricans leave education too early
and without the skills needed to find a formal job. This requires a more targeted
support to students with learning gaps, improving teachers’ selection and training
and expanding access to early education. Revisiting the university funding mechanism
will improve its accountability and can help increase the number of graduates in scientific
areas. Reforms in vocational education may increase the supply of high-quality technicians,
which will reduce existing skills mismatches and help more Costa Ricans access better-paid
formal jobs.
Published on May 24, 2023
In series:OECD Economics Department Working Papersview more titles