BTN News: In a remarkable celebration of ingenuity and competitiveness, the Center for Industrial Development and Competitiveness (Proindustria) recognized 15 companies and four academic institutions for their contributions to innovation in the Dominican Republic’s manufacturing sector. During the second edition of the Innovation Industrial Manufacturing Awards 2024, held Tuesday night, Proindustria honored the creativity and excellence that drive the nation’s economic growth. With over 60 contenders, the event highlighted the Dominican Republic’s strides towards becoming a leader in Industry 4.0. Rafael Cruz Rodríguez, Proindustria’s Director General, praised the winners as evidence of the country’s innovative spirit and readiness to advance its industrial capacity.
Recognizing Innovation and Excellence in Manufacturing
The Innovation Industrial Manufacturing Awards 2024 aimed to spotlight exceptional talent and promote growth in the Dominican Republic’s industrial sector. Proindustria’s initiative focused on acknowledging the inventive efforts of businesses and institutions that contribute to the nation’s economic development.
“A Nation of Leaders,” said Rafael Cruz Rodríguez, Director General of Proindustria. “This recognition shows that the Dominican Republic is a country of innovators, full of capability and competitiveness.”
Government Support Fuels Industrial Advancement
Government backing has played a vital role in fostering innovation. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of support from President Luis Abinader’s administration, which has acted as a catalyst for industrialization and progress towards Industry 4.0. Representing the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Small and Medium Enterprises, Fantino Polanco, Vice Minister of Industrial Development, highlighted the need to incentivize innovation within the sector to maintain its growth momentum.
Top Honors: Celebrating the Innovators
From over 60 submissions, 15 companies and four higher education institutions were honored in various categories:
- Excellence in Innovation: Helados Bon, Consorcio De Proyectos Eléctricos (CEPSA), SOS Carbón, and Four Union.
- Innovation in Processes: Cemex, CEPSA, Bepensa, Trademark Technologies, and Peces Dominicanos (PEZDO).
- Innovation in Product: Diesco, Peñantial Industrial, Tristan Technology Maker, and SOS Carbón.
- Innovation in Marketing: Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, La Aurora, Ly Company Caribe, and Inversiones Basilia del Caribe.
- Innovation in Academia: University Iberoamericana (Unibe), Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (Intec), Universidad ISA de Santiago de los Caballeros, and Instituto Especializado de Estudios Superiores Loyola (IEESL).
Focus on Gender Equality in Leadership
Beyond the awards, Diesco and Bepensa were specifically recognized for being led by women and for their outstanding gender policies. This recognition aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equality in the industrial sector.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
A dedicated evaluation commission undertook several rounds of assessments to select the winners. This process included rigorous scrutiny of each submission’s quality against specific criteria set for each category. The commission’s final report, released on July 30, underscored the innovative achievements of the awarded companies and institutions.
Distinguished Guests Celebrate Industry Excellence
The awards ceremony was attended by key national figures, including Alfredo Pacheco, President of the Chamber of Deputies; Pablo Ulloa, Ombudsman; Franklin García Fermín, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology; Carlos Valdez, Minister of Youth; Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Director General of Customs; Biviana Riveiro, Director of Prodominicana; and Rafael Santos Badía, Director General of the National Institute of Technical Professional Training (Infotep).
The Road Ahead for Dominican Manufacturing
As the Dominican Republic continues to advance its industrial capabilities, Proindustria’s commitment to innovation and growth remains vital. With government support and a competitive spirit, the country is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in the global market.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Industrial Innovation
The Innovation Industrial Manufacturing Awards 2024 not only celebrated current achievements but also set the stage for future growth in the Dominican Republic’s industrial sector. Through the recognition of outstanding companies and institutions, Proindustria is fostering an environment where innovation thrives, ensuring a robust economic future driven by creativity, talent, and determination.
