The recently signed agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Purdue University seeks to position the semiconductor industry in the Dominican Republic as an attractive destination for investment.
The Dominican Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó; Alyssa Wilcox, Senior Vice President of Partnerships, and Vijay Raghunathan, vice president of Global Partnerships and Programs at Purdue University, signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, to foster cooperation in critical areas of education and research.
A collaboration with Purdue is key to developing the semiconductor industry in the Dominican Republic
This agreement focuses on developing the semiconductor industry in the Dominican Republic.
Bisonó stressed the relevance of the collaboration with Purdue University for the future of his country, according to a press release.
“This agreement represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen human capital and promote national development, especially in the semiconductor industry. We are convinced that this strategic alliance will allow us to promote research, foster innovation, and prepare the Dominican Republic for the challenges of the 21st century in key sectors,” he said. Further, he added: “The collaboration between the Ministry and Purdue University is a crucial step toward a more prosperous and technologically advanced future for our nation.”
During the event, Minister Bisonó announced that together with the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (Mepyd), he would carry out a report on human resources in the Dominican Republic, with particular emphasis on STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and its links with strategic sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceutical products, electrical and electronic devices, semiconductors and ICT.
Developing STEM talent is essential
The document indicates that the report mentioned above, supported by allies from the public and academic spheres, promises to reveal encouraging data about the availability of professionals in STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to work in the semiconductor industry in the Dominican Republic.
“This strategic approach will position the country as an attractive destination for investments in key sectors,” he highlighted.
The presence of STEM-trained talent is essential for economic and technological development, and this report could be an important step in that direction.
Raghunathan, a representative of the academia, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and stated that “Purdue University is pleased to join forces with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic to foster academic exchange and collaborative research. “We hope this partnership will provide significant opportunities for Dominican students, teachers, and researchers to be involved in developing the semiconductor industry in the Dominican Republic.”
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Purdue will implement various collaborative activities, including online educational programs, professors, researchers, student exchanges, and joint research projects, all focused on promoting the development of the semiconductor industry in the Dominican Republic and other areas of high-added value.
The announcement was attended by government authorities and the educational and private sector, including Pável Isa Contreras, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development; Franklin García Fermín, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology; Rafael Santos Badía, general director of the National Institute of Vocational Technical Training; Omar Méndez Lluberes, rector of the Technological Institute of the Americas; Vijay Raghunathan, from Purdue University, among other representatives of educational institutions.
Minister Isa Contreras highlighted the importance of taking advantage of the current opportunity to promote the country’s reindustrialization and the Dominican Republic’s semiconductor industry. In his speech, he emphasized that this is a crucial moment to revitalize the national industry and create an enabling environment for sustainable economic development. Reindustrialization will strengthen the local economy and position the country as a key competitor in the global market.
Minister García Fermín expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the recent joint follow-up meeting. He congratulated the organizers and reaffirmed his commitment to the national priority of attracting semiconductor investment.
“This effort will not only satisfy domestic needs but will also boost exports abroad, which is essential for technological advancement and economic diversification of the country,” he noted.
With a functioning semiconductor industry the DR can play a critical global role
The recent agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Dominican Republic and Purdue University marks a pivotal step toward establishing the semiconductor industry in the Dominican Republic as a critical player in the global market. Minister Bisonó’s emphasis on strengthening human capital through education and innovation highlights the strategic importance of this partnership. The collaborative initiatives, including academic exchanges and joint research projects, are designed to cultivate a robust talent pool in STEM fields, which is essential for the semiconductor industry’s growth. By leveraging Purdue’s expertise and resources, the Dominican Republic aims to attract significant investment, fostering a technologically advanced and economically vibrant future. The forthcoming report on human resources, underscored by its focus on STEM careers, is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the country’s readiness to support this high-value industry. This concerted effort aligns with the broader vision of reindustrializing the nation, enhancing its competitive edge in strategic sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and ICT. As the Dominican Republic positions itself as an attractive destination for semiconductor investment, this alliance with Purdue University will be instrumental in driving sustainable economic development and technological advancement, propelling the nation onto the global stage.
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