Two Dominican provinces will become smart city pilots under a new UN-backed agreement using IoT, digital twins, and KPI-based planning tools. The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step toward digital modernization by launching a smart city transformation initiative in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The agreement, signed in Geneva in July 2025, selects San Pedro de Macorís and Monseñor Nouel (Bonao) as pilot provinces for a national smart and sustainable cities program.
Guido Gómez Mazara, President of INDOTEL, the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications, at the signing: “This agreement marks a decisive step to continue reducing the digital divide and catapulting our cities toward a more sustainable and competitive future This alliance represents a strategic commitment to collective well-being and the modernization of public services.”
The eight-month project will assess the digital infrastructure and sustainability performance of each province and support the implementation of advanced technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) systems and digital twins, to improve decision-making and urban management. The initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.
Four-Phase Framework to Guide Implementation
The smart city transformation will follow a structured four-phase process:
- Diagnosis and Data Collection: Evaluate current digital capabilities and sustainability gaps.
- Validation of Indicators: Use the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) KPIs to assess performance.
- Technical Reporting: Compile findings and strategic insights for public policy design.
- City Snapshot Publication: Share results and issue an international certification for each city.
The U4SSC indicators will help quantify service quality across sectors like energy, transportation, water, and waste management. The technical and institutional capacity of local governments will also be enhanced to ensure continuity and long-term impact.
“The partnership with INDOTEL exemplifies how international cooperation and technologies can transform the quality of life of communities,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan Martin.
Quick Facts: Smart City Pilot in the Dominican Republic
| Launch Date: | July 2025 |
| Pilot Cities: | San Pedro de Macorís and Monseñor Nouel |
| Duration: | 8 months |
| Partners: | INDOTEL and ITU |
| Framework: | United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) KPIs |
| Investment: | 7,000 Swiss francs + technical/human resources |
| Technologies: | IoT, digital twins, data analytics, smart infrastructure |
| Goal: | International certification + scalable urban innovation |
Building Latin America’s Smart City Momentum
This initiative positions the Dominican Republic alongside other Latin American cities already pursuing smart urban strategies. Cities like São Paulo, Lima, and Montevideo have reported measurable progress in mobility, energy efficiency, and digital public service delivery. According to market analysts, the global smart cities market is projected to grow from $648.36 billion in 2020 to $6.06 trillion by 2030, with a CAGR of 25.2%.
Much of this growth is fueled by urbanization, digital infrastructure investment, and government policies promoting sustainability and resilience. The Dominican Republic’s entry into this space reflects a broader regional commitment to innovation-driven governance.
Strategic Technologies Driving Urban Innovation
A key component of the initiative is the deployment of smart city technologies:
- IoT and Digital Twins: Real-time monitoring of infrastructure and environmental systems
- Data Analytics and AI: Enhanced public service planning and response
- 5G and Edge Computing: Low-latency connectivity for traffic, utilities, and public safety
- Smart Energy and Mobility: Integrated grids, electric vehicle infrastructure, and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS)
- Urban Agriculture and Smart Health: Tech-enabled food systems and real-time health monitoring
These tools not only improve efficiency but also support economic development and citizen well-being. For example, countries such as India and the UAE are investing heavily in digital twins and AI systems to improve traffic management, energy optimization, and healthcare delivery..
Smart Cities as Catalysts for Sustainability
Smart cities go beyond digital convenience. They offer pathways to reduce emissions, increase transparency, and improve quality of life through responsive governance. In this pilot, INDOTEL is investing $7,950 and deploying expert and technical support teams to assist municipalities.
The Dominican Republic’s pilot cities aim to:
- Improve public service delivery using data-driven insights
- Build resilience against environmental and infrastructural stress
- Reduce urban inequality by expanding access to smart infrastructure
If successful, San Pedro de Macorís and Bonao could become national benchmarks for scalable digital transformation.
Looking Ahead
As cities around the world race to build smarter, more sustainable infrastructure, the Dominican Republic’s pilot project offers a model for mid-sized economies seeking to leapfrog traditional urban development challenges. With the right investment, collaboration, and citizen engagement, digital transformation can drive inclusive progress far beyond the pilot provinces.
This initiative affirms that even modest investments, when paired with global expertise and structured planning, can yield measurable outcomes in energy efficiency, public health, and civic resilience.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Marybeth Collins
Quelle/Source: Environment + Energy Leader, 10.07.2025
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