Havana, December 19, 2025. – The National Assembly of the People's Power of Cuba, with the unanimous vote of its deputies, approved the General Law on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) on December 18. This advanced legal instrument updates and consolidates the legal framework for the National STI System, aligning with the challenges of the country's economic and social development and the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This comprehensive legislation, the result of an extensive process of consultation and refinement, replaces the Science and Technology Law in effect since 1994. It responds to transformations in the national and international scientific-technical landscape and the strategic impetus the Cuban state grants to this sector.
The new Law establishes the principles, objectives, and organization of the National Science, Technology and Innovation System, designating the Cuban Academy of Sciences (ACC) as the methodological governing body and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) as the national administrative authority. Its most prominent aspects include:
- Strengthening the Institutional Framework: Clearly defines the roles of the system's entities, organizations, and actors, promoting greater integration and coordination between the state, business, and academic sectors.
- Boosting Business Innovation: Prioritizes linking science with production and services, establishing incentives and mechanisms for companies to assume a leading role in innovation and technology transfer processes.
- Talent and Human Capital Management: Recognizes human talent as the system's fundamental asset. Establishes policies for the training, upskilling, retention, motivation, and mobility of STI professionals, with special attention to the full inclusion of women and younger generations of scientists.
- Financing and Resources: Fosters a diversified and sustainable financing model, complementing the state budget with own sources generated by innovation activity, international collaboration projects, and other channels.
- Open Science and Publications: Promotes the principles of open science, access to scientific information, and the strengthening of specialized national publications.
- Regulation of Ethical and Biosafety Aspects: Includes provisions related to research ethics, bioethics, and risk management in sensitive areas such as biotechnology and artificial intelligence, aligning with principles promoted by UNESCO.
The General STI Law aligns with the mandates and recommendations of UNESCO, whose Science program seeks to strengthen the scientific, technological, and innovation capacities of Member States, promote evidence-based policies, and foster international cooperation for peace and sustainable development. The Cuban legislation directly responds to UNESCO priorities such as promoting the Recommendation on Open Science and the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
With this Law, Cuba reaffirms its political commitment to a development model based on knowledge, technological sovereignty, and inclusive innovation. The norm constitutes fundamental support for the nation's scientific potential and a favorable framework for intensifying international cooperation in this strategic area, in harmony with global efforts to use science, technology, and innovation as engines for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.