Digital Transformation and Innovation School in the Caribbean
12 August - 15 August
August 12, 2024 – August 15, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (UTC -4)
Location: CTU Headquarters, Mary St, St Clair, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Mode: In-person participation
Language: English [no interpretation service]
Certificates: Certificates will be awarded to those who participate in at least two-thirds of the activities.
About the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation
The School of Digital Transformation and Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean serves as a dynamic capacity building programme for policymakers. Through lectures, panel discussions, case studies and peer learning, it delivers pertinent, up-to-date content on analytical skills, transformation trends and best practices. Formerly known as “The Digital Transformation and Innovation Summer School,” the programme has been collaboratively organised by prominent entities, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), CAF – The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, Cetic.br (Regional Center of Studies for the Development of the Information Society – a Department of NIC.br), the Datasphere Initiative Foundation, and the Technical Internet Community – represented by LACNIC, ICANN, ISOC, LACTLD, LAC-IX, LACNOG, and Red CLARA.
With eight editions completed to date, the School has evolved into a significant cooperation platform. It engages policymakers, international experts, and professionals from diverse sectors in an intersectoral and multistakeholder dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean. That being said, the School is yet to take place in the Caribbean.
Why is a Caribbean version of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation needed?
In today’s interconnected world, the imperative for socioeconomic development through digital transformation is evident. The School recognises the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, compounded by the convergence of debt, cost-of-living and climate crises.
In addressing these challenges, the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Caribbean aims to provide a tailored approach, fostering innovation in the region. SIDS grapple with issues such as inadequate telecommunications infrastructure, susceptibility to natural disasters, financial constraints, and skill gaps. Bridging these gaps is crucial to successful digital transformation, ensuring that the Caribbean can navigate the complexities of emerging technologies and drive economic growth. A key success factor of a Caribbean version of the School would be critical analyses of global digital transformation and innovation trends and the implications of the same for sustainable Caribbean development.
Moreover, strategic adaptability is essential for entities within SIDS to adjust strategies promptly in response to external changes. Decision-makers must possess the agility to make quick decisions and reallocate resources based on continuous monitoring and analysis of the global digital ecosystem. This proactive approach ensures that digital transformation and innovation strategies remain pertinent and aligned with evolving circumstances.
The School for Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Caribbean as a four-day event, with each day focusing on a distinct strategic thrust. One or more organising partners will be assigned responsibility for each daily segment. The event will culminate in a closing ceremony, during which participants who successfully complete each day’s activities will receive a certificate of participation issued by the organising partners.
Organising Partners
CTU: The Caribbean Telecommunications Union
ECLAC: The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
CAF: Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
CETIC.BR: Centro Regional de Estudos para o Desenvolvimento da Sociedade da Informação
Internet Technical Community: LACNIC, ICANN, Internet Society, LACTLD, LAC-IX, LACNOG, Red CLARA.
Contributing Organisations
UWI: The University of the West Indies – Caribbean ICT Research Programme (CIRP) and Caribbean Open Institute
Objectives
The main objectives of the School include:
Knowledge Enhancement: To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of digital transformation, including its technologies, impact, and potential in the Caribbean context.
Improved Policy Development: To facilitate discussions on policy frameworks that support digital transformation, ensuring alignment with regional and international strategies.
Innovative Solutions: To encourage the development of innovative strategies to tackle digital challenges and leverage opportunities within SIDS.
Collaborative Networking: To facilitate networking and collaboration among policymakers, stakeholders, and technology experts to promote a shared vision and coordinated efforts towards digital advancement.
Capacity Building: To strengthen the skills and capabilities of participants to effectively engage with emerging technologies and adapt to the dynamic digital landscape.
Target Audience
The School targets mid-to-senior level policymakers (at least seven years of experience) from ICT, Finance, Trade, Planning & Economy, and Legal Affairs ministries; regulators; chambers of commerce; industry stakeholders; academics; and representatives from international organisations involved in formulating or shaping public policy and strategies related to digital transformation and innovation within the Caribbean region. Maximum seating capacity is thirty six (36). A select number of participants will be granted a fellowship to attend.