The Dominican Republic is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital transformation with the inaugural Indotel 4.0 International Congress. The two-day event, taking place 6-7 May 2025, bringing together business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and national and international experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
The congress shone a spotlight on five key technologies set to shape the Dominican Republic’s future: artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), cybersecurity, blockchain, and big data. Through high-level panels, conferences, and presentations, attendees explored how these technologies are revolutionizing industries, optimizing processes, driving economic value, and creating new job opportunities for Dominicans.
Vice President Raquel Peña emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This congress marks a decisive moment: the digital transformation of the Dominican Republic, propelling us towards a more dynamic and promising future.” She highlighted the government’s commitment under President Luis Abinader and the tireless work of Indotel President Guido Gómez Mazara to embrace cutting-edge technology and strengthen the nation’s global presence.
“We believe in Dominican talent,” Peña added. “We are betting on local ingenuity, and we know that the next great technological solution that changes the world could be born here, created by our young people, entrepreneurial women, scientists, and students.”
Peña stressed that technological development is not an end in itself but a means to improve lives, bridge gaps, and build more just, prosperous, and inclusive societies.
Gómez Mazara underscored Indotel’s role as the country’s regulatory body, mandated to develop telecommunications to contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic growth. He emphasized Indotel’s commitment to ensuring every Dominican has access to telephony and internet, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits consumers, businesses, and the economy as a whole.
“Today’s congress marks our journey towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he stated. “We are here because new technologies will shape the region’s development prospects for decades to come.”
He highlighted findings from the Inter-American Development Bank indicating that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to an average 3.19% rise in GDP and a 2.69% increase in productivity. With 40% of the region’s GDP projected to come from digital businesses, Indotel’s focus on promoting national broadband plans and implementing 5G networks aligns with these projections.
The congress featured panels addressing public policy, with experts from Chile, Panama, and Paraguay discussing how regulatory frameworks can drive innovation. Business leaders from key sectors like healthcare, banking, logistics, and industry shared practical lessons on adopting emerging technologies and their impact on national competitiveness.
Attendees also had the opportunity to explore a technology fair showcasing Dominican youth’s innovative work and the launch of the I+D Lab, a competition for tech startups and small businesses.
Indotel 4.0 aims to establish the Dominican Republic as a regional benchmark in digital economy, fostering dialogue on the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s trends, opportunities, and challenges. By promoting the adoption of AI, IoT, cybersecurity, blockchain, and big data, the congress seeks to bolster the country’s economic, social, and technological development.
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Indotel
7 May 2025