Panama - National Science and Technology Plan
National Strategic Plan for Science and Technology (PENCYT) 2025-2029
Plan Estratégico Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (PENCYT) 2025-2029
Panama
RAI-PA-NA-NSPSTXX-2025Panama - National Science and Technology Plan is In Force in Panama, according to senacyt.gob.pa. We have not yet been able to confirm the status.
PolicyGovernance and OversightFundamental RightsInternational AlignmentPanama's comprehensive five-year strategic plan for science and technology development, with digitalization and artificial intelligence as one of six key focus areas. The plan coordinates research efforts and positions Panama as a regional technology hub.
Summary
The National Strategic Plan for Science and Technology (Plan Estratégico Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología - PENCYT) 2025-2029 is Panama's comprehensive framework for advancing scientific research, technological innovation, and digital transformation over a five-year period. The plan represents a continuation and evolution of Panama's long-term commitment to building a knowledge-based economy.
PENCYT 2025-2029 focuses on six key areas, with 'Digitalization' serving as a primary pillar within which artificial intelligence is specifically addressed. This strategic focus positions AI as a critical enabler of Panama's broader development objectives, recognizing the technology's potential to transform sectors ranging from logistics and finance to healthcare and education.
The plan is coordinated by the National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACYT), which plays a central role in supporting and coordinating research efforts across government, academia, and the private sector. SENACYT's leadership includes initiatives like INDICATIC, launched in June 2022, which has been instrumental in advancing Panama's technological capabilities, particularly in AI.
Key objectives within the AI and digitalization focus include building AI research capacity, developing human capital with AI expertise, promoting AI adoption across priority sectors, and establishing Panama as a regional technology hub. The plan emphasizes ethical, safe, and responsible AI development aligned with international best practices.
PENCYT 2025-2029 complements other national initiatives, including the developing National AI Strategy (first draft expected by May 2025), the GerencIA Panamá program for AI literacy among leaders, and legislative efforts through Draft Bill No. 14 on AI regulation. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive approach to positioning Panama competitively in the global AI landscape.
The plan also supports Panama's participation in regional AI governance discussions and its commitment to promoting AI that strengthens democratic principles, human rights, and individual freedoms throughout the Americas.
Full article
Read full text ↗Overview
The National Strategic Plan for Science and Technology (Plan Estratégico Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología - PENCYT) 2025-2029 is Panama's comprehensive framework for advancing scientific research, technological innovation, and digital transformation. Coordinated by SENACYT (National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation), the plan establishes six key focus areas including 'Digitalization' as a primary pillar under which artificial intelligence is specifically addressed. PENCYT 2025-2029 positions Panama to become a regional technology hub while building the foundations for a knowledge-based economy and responsible AI adoption.
Definitions
The strategic plan operates within Panama's broader science and technology policy framework. Digitalization refers to the adoption and integration of digital technologies across economic sectors and public services. Artificial intelligence encompasses systems capable of performing tasks requiring human-like intelligence, addressed as a key component within the digitalization pillar. Innovation is defined as the creation and implementation of new products, services, and processes that add value to the economy. Research and development covers systematic activities aimed at increasing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities.
Governance and Institutional Framework
The National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACYT) serves as the primary coordinating body for PENCYT implementation. SENACYT works in conjunction with government ministries, universities, research institutions, and the private sector. The plan emphasizes multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together academia, industry, civil society, and government in policy development and execution. Regional and international partnerships support knowledge transfer and capacity building. The INDICATIC initiative, launched in 2022, provides a framework for advancing technological capabilities within the plan's scope.
Key Focus Areas
- Digitalization: Primary pillar addressing AI adoption, digital infrastructure, and technology integration across sectors.
- Artificial Intelligence Development: Building AI research capacity and promoting responsible AI deployment.
- Human Capital Development: Training scientists, engineers, and technologists with AI and digital skills.
- Research Infrastructure: Establishing laboratories and computing facilities for AI research.
- Innovation Ecosystems: Supporting startups, technology transfer, and commercialization of research.
- Sector-Specific Applications: Deploying AI in logistics, finance, healthcare, and education.
- International Cooperation: Building partnerships for technology transfer and knowledge exchange.
- AI Literacy Programs: Initiatives like GerencIA Panamá to strengthen AI management skills among leaders.
- Ethical Technology Development: Ensuring AI deployment respects democratic principles and human rights.
- Regional Hub Development: Positioning Panama as a technology and innovation center for Latin America.
Implementation Framework
PENCYT 2025-2029 is implemented through coordinated efforts across multiple government agencies and stakeholder groups. SENACYT leads coordination and monitoring activities, developing annual action plans aligned with strategic objectives. Funding is allocated through national budget provisions and international cooperation agreements. Public-private partnerships leverage private sector expertise and investment. Research grants and innovation programs support academic institutions and technology companies. Sectoral ministries integrate plan objectives into their specific domains. Regular progress reviews ensure alignment with plan objectives and enable adaptive management.
Monitoring and Evaluation
SENACYT coordinates monitoring and evaluation activities for PENCYT 2025-2029. Key performance indicators track progress in AI research capacity, digital infrastructure development, human capital training, and technology adoption rates. Annual progress reports assess implementation against plan objectives. Panama's ranking in international indices, including the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA), provides external benchmarks. The plan includes provisions for mid-term review and adjustment to respond to technological developments and changing priorities.
Penalties, Liability, and Appeals
As a strategic framework rather than regulatory legislation, PENCYT 2025-2029 does not establish direct penalties or enforcement mechanisms. Accountability is maintained through performance monitoring, budget allocation decisions, and regular reporting to government leadership. Implementing agencies are responsible for achieving assigned objectives within their mandates. The plan's effectiveness depends on coordination and commitment across stakeholder groups rather than punitive measures.
Relationship to Other Instruments
PENCYT 2025-2029 provides the strategic context for Panama's developing National AI Strategy, with the first draft expected by May 2025 from SENACYT. It complements the Draft Bill No. 14 on Artificial Intelligence Regulation under consideration by the National Assembly. The plan builds upon prior strategic planning efforts and aligns with Panama's broader economic development objectives. It supports initiatives like the GerencIA Panamá program for AI literacy and the Spark AI Summit 2025 for innovation showcasing. The plan connects to Panama's international commitments on technology cooperation and digital development.
International Alignment
PENCYT 2025-2029 reflects alignment with international science, technology, and innovation frameworks. Panama's emphasis on ethical and responsible AI development aligns with OECD AI Principles and UNESCO recommendations. The plan supports Panama's participation in regional AI governance discussions within Central and Latin America. International cooperation components facilitate technology transfer and capacity building with partner countries. Panama's commitment to AI that strengthens democratic principles and human rights reflects broader hemispheric initiatives for responsible technology development.
Implementation Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-01 | PENCYT 2025-2029 enters into force |
| 2025-05-01 | First draft of National AI Strategy expected from SENACYT |
| 2025 | GerencIA Panamá and AI literacy programs continue expansion |
| 2027 | Mid-term review and potential plan adjustments |
| 2029-12-31 | PENCYT 2025-2029 implementation period concludes |
Sources and References
| Source | Type |
|---|---|
| SENACYT (National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation) | Primary Source |
| International Science Council - Panama AI Case Study | Research Report |
| Impacto Positivo - National AI Strategy Coverage | News Source |
| Rootstack - AI Development in Panama | Industry Analysis |
Requirements for a company
What an organisation has to do under Panama - National Science and Technology Plan, at a glance. Not legal advice — the table below gives the provision and deadline for each item.
Must do
10- Ensure AI development and deployment respect democratic principles and human rights.All entities developing or deploying AI systems in Panama.
- Promote the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence systems.All entities involved in AI development and adoption.
- Invest in training and developing human capital with AI and digital skills.Educational institutions, private sector, and government agencies.
- Align AI research projects with the plan's digitalization objectives and SENACYT priorities.Research institutions and academic entities.
- Participate in multi-stakeholder collaborations and public-private partnerships.Academia, industry, civil society, and government entities.
- Engage in international cooperation for technology transfer and knowledge exchange.Research institutions, government agencies, and technology companies.
- +4 more in the table below
Must not do
0Nothing in this category.
Should do
1- Participate in AI literacy programs to strengthen AI management skills.Leaders and professionals across sectors.
Should not do
0Nothing in this category.
Who must do what
The obligations under Panama - National Science and Technology Plan, most serious first. Not legal advice — verify against the official text before relying on it.
| # | Who | Requirement | By when | Where | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All entities developing or deploying AI systems in Panama. | Ensure AI development and deployment respect democratic principles and human rights. “Ensuring AI deployment respects democratic principles and human rights.” | — | Ethical Technology Development | Important |
| 2 | All entities involved in AI development and adoption. | Promote the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence systems. “Promoting responsible AI deployment.” | — | Artificial Intelligence Development | Important |
| 3 | Educational institutions, private sector, and government agencies. | Invest in training and developing human capital with AI and digital skills. “Training scientists, engineers, and technologists with AI and digital skills.” | — | Human Capital Development | Important |
| 4 | Research institutions and academic entities. | Align AI research projects with the plan's digitalization objectives and SENACYT priorities. “Building AI research capacity and promoting responsible AI deployment.” | — | Artificial Intelligence Development | Important |
| 5 | Academia, industry, civil society, and government entities. | Participate in multi-stakeholder collaborations and public-private partnerships. “The plan emphasizes multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together academia, industry, civil society, and government.” | — | Governance and Institutional Framework | Important |
| 6 | Research institutions, government agencies, and technology companies. | Engage in international cooperation for technology transfer and knowledge exchange. “International cooperation components facilitate technology transfer and capacity building with partner countries.” | — | International Cooperation | Important |
| 7 | Sectoral ministries and relevant government agencies. | Integrate PENCYT objectives into specific sectoral domains. “Sectoral ministries integrate plan objectives into their specific domains.” | — | Implementation Framework | Important |
| 8 | Government, universities, and research institutions. | Establish laboratories and computing facilities for AI research. “Establishing laboratories and computing facilities for AI research.” | — | Research Infrastructure | Important |
| 9 | Government, academic institutions, and private sector. | Support startups, technology transfer, and commercialization of AI research. “Supporting startups, technology transfer, and commercialization of research.” | — | Innovation Ecosystems | Important |
| 10 | Implementing agencies and stakeholder groups. | Contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities for plan progress. “SENACYT coordinates monitoring and evaluation activities for PENCYT 2025-2029.” | — | Monitoring and Evaluation | Important |
| 11 | Leaders and professionals across sectors. | Participate in AI literacy programs to strengthen AI management skills. “AI Literacy Programs: Initiatives like GerencIA Panamá to strengthen AI management skills among leaders.” | — | AI Literacy Programs | Recommended |
Related Regulations
More AI regulation in Panama
© Regulations.AI · updated on 13 Jun 2026