Camagüey, July 8 – In the context of Cuba's economic development, digital transformation has become a key element in strengthening autonomy, sustainability, and the defense of national sovereignty. Furthermore, its importance lies in improving the living conditions of the population. Despite the efforts of various institutions and organizations, considerable challenges remain in achieving these goals.
In the recent period, although advances in infrastructure have been modest, some progress has been made. However, financial and economic limitations have restricted investment in this sector, according to Luel García Lorenzo, director of the Territorial Division of the Cuban Telecommunications Company in Camagüey. Sustainability is fundamental in this process, since the growth of digital transformation requires expanding technological capacity. In this context, workers in the sector are making commendable efforts to maintain vital communication points, address contingency situations, and develop innovative solutions.
Since its creation in 2017, the Camagüey branch of the Cuban Union of Computer Scientists has set milestones in the adoption of emerging technologies. Its main focus is to place citizens and organizations at the center of the transformation process, through the training of its members, organizations, and the population, with a special emphasis on young talent. The organization prioritizes topics that address the challenges of the current context, promoting an inclusive, gender and active participation vision.
A prominent example is the Co-Lab Citizen Innovation Laboratory, a social and economic impact project that offers services such as the co-creation of prototypes of digital solutions and the development of strategies for the digital transformation of various organizations. Furthermore, the Digital Transformation Policy and the Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy strengthen the innovation ecosystem in collaboration with stakeholders such as the University of Camagüey, the Cultural Assets Fund, the Provincial Transport Company, the Institute of Soils, the Provincial Film Center, and other research and development organizations.
A concrete example of these initiatives is the contribution to the development of the Provincial Atlas and other digital applications that connect stakeholders and projects, promoting innovation, creativity, and citizen participation through ideathons and hackathons. These efforts reflect an encouraging message: although available technological capabilities have not yet been fully utilized, there is valuable support to promote the digital transformation strategies that Cuba needs.
René Ramos Carmenates, acting delegate of the Territorial Control Office and the Cooperation Council of the Ministry of Communications, says that the Policy for the Improvement of the Computerization Process prioritizes projects that boost the economy. Relevant data show how technologies influence economic growth and people’s well-being.
However, this process imposes on managers and workers in the sector the challenge of acting with greater professionalism, rigor, and commitment, so that each contribution translates into concrete benefits, such as access to goods and services through digital platforms. Digitalization remains a pending issue and a pressing need for today's Cuban society. (Gladys Dailyn Morera Cordero/Radio Cadena Agramonte) (Photo: Archive)