Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has been the fastest-growing economy in Latin America since 2010. The next priority for the country is to translate this economic growth into shared gains. That goal demands that the Dominican Republic address its persistent structural challenges by fostering local development and innovation. This chapter reviews the structural economic characteristics of the Dominican Republic in the last three decades and identifies opportunities for the future.
The digital transformation has the potential to improve productivity, foster inclusiveness, help tackle climate change, and transform public institutions. However, if not accompanied by an adequate policy mix, the digital transformation can also deepen existing inequalities and create new gaps. This chapter analyses where the Dominican Republic stands in its efforts to advance a digital transformation, and provides policy recommendations to make this a driver of greater well-being for all. In particular, the chapter analyses key dimensions for the digital transformation of households and schools, as two fundamental areas where technologies can play a role in favouring inclusion and reducing socioeconomic inequalities. It also examines how the digital transformation can be a driver of greater productivity, improving the adoption of new technologies by firms, and what policies will help in making the most of the digital transformation of labour markets. Finally, this chapter argues in favour of a strategic vision of the digital transformation, so that digital issues are addressed in a holistic and coherent manner.