The Committee on Education, Culture and Sports of the National Assembly approved in the first debate the bill No. 98, which guarantees a minimum investment of 1% of GDP in science, technology and research in Panama from 2029, a project that establishes a progressive increase from 2025, adjusted annually according to economic growth.

Half of the resources will be allocated to the National Fund for Science, Technology and Innovation (Fonaciti), to finance the National Strategic Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (Pencyt). The other half will be administered by Senacyt to promote sustainable development in strategic areas.

Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barría, secretary of Senacyt, described the approval as a “historic moment” for science in Panama, highlighting the importance of increasing the number of researchers and promoting innovation. Deputy Jorge Bloise, proponent of the project, welcomed the progress of the debate, pointing out that investment in research is key to the country’s economic growth.

Members of the Commission, representatives of the scientific and academic community, and collaborators of Senacyt and the City of Knowledge Foundation participated in the session.