ICT Production

Overview:

As far as I could find in my research, the Dominican Republic is not a producer of hardware or software. If the country does produce any ICT, it is minimal enough that I was unable to find any information. However, the Dominican Republic does participate in call centers, typically located in the Cyber Park in Santo Domingo.

Highlights:

I did find a report completed in 2005 titled Analysis of the Export Potential of ICT and ICT-Enabled Products and Services in the Dominican Republic which describes the potential of both of these items in the Dominican Republic . The report specific concluded that “the manufacture and assembly of hardware is not especially promising for the country, although offering hardware-related services such as remote data center services shows some potential. The successful production of commercial software products will be restricted by congested and highly competitive international markets, although opportunities seem to exist…”

Unfortunately, it appears that the current number of workers that could potentially be used to fill these positions is not adequate to support a large number of clients. Several weaknesses noted include unreliable electricity, low national penetration of computer and Internet connectivity.

Specifically in regards to hardware production and assembly, the only strength is the value of workers. Numerous weaknesses were found, such as those listed previously, scarcity of highly-trained engineers, lack of large chip fabrication facilities, and a lack of “supplier ecosystem” support final hardware systems assembly.

Specficially in regards to software products, there are no strengths noted in the Dominican Republic . The weaknesses are many, including lack of information about size, skills, areas of expertise, and capacities of local commercial software companies.

In regards to call centers and computer center staffs, there are several strengths. The proximity to the United States is a strength, however, because of the time difference, there is a lack of interest in staffing facilities 24-hours per day, unlike India. Another strength is wages; for example, the average salary for a data entry employee in the Dominican Republic is only $3,658 per year, only 14.63% of the United States salary of $25,000. The highest paying computer staff salary in the Dominican Republic is for a systems manager, who on average earns $23,158. Again, this is less than half of the United State salary, which is $60,000 annually. (18)

Again, we should keep in mind some of the challenges of hardware and software production in the Dominican Republic. Education in the ICT industry is out-of-date, computer access is limited, and electricity tends to be an issue. As a result, it is no surprise that software and hardware productivity is extremely minimal in the country.