Jimmy Rosario Bernard: Artificial intelligence is an essential skill for the future of the Dominican Republic
The rector of the Instituto Tecnológico de Las Américas (ITLA), Jimmy Rosario Bernard, emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future promise but has become a present reality that demands strategic adoption in the Dominican Republic. During his participation in the RD Debate 2026 forum, the academic stressed that this technology must stop being viewed as an exclusive domain for computer scientists and instead be integrated as a transversal competency across all professional disciplines.
Rosario Bernard was emphatic in pointing out that the impact of AI is already reflected in critical sectors such as education, health, the economy, and public management. Therefore, he urged the country to focus its efforts on training human talent capable not only of handling these tools, but of questioning them and applying them with a sense of responsibility and critical thinking.
Artificial intelligence is already here, it is not coming. We must prepare ourselves for a transformation that is already impacting employment, businesses, and different sectors of our society.
Jimmy Rosario Bernard, Rector of ITLA
An educational model for the new economy
For the ITLA rector, the educational challenge goes beyond teaching the use of software. The main goal is to train professionals who can:
- Analyze and reason about the results generated by automated systems.
- Implement technological solutions adapted to local needs.
- Improve productivity through the conscious use of AI.
- Understand both the capabilities and the inherent risks of these tools.
The executive highlighted that the Dominican Republic’s opportunity on the global stage does not lie in competing directly with the infrastructure of major powers, but in leveraging human capital. According to his vision, national success will depend on the ability of Dominicans to adapt AI to the specific demands of the local market and turn it into an engine of innovation.
The role of ITLA in the transformation
From an academic perspective, ITLA maintains its commitment to updated technical training that prepares students for a constantly evolving work environment. Rosario Bernard reiterated that training is the fundamental pillar for the country to successfully navigate this transition, ensuring that technology is always supervised and guided by human judgment.
In conclusion, the message from RD Debate 2026 is clear: the integration of artificial intelligence is an inevitable process that, accompanied by solid academic and ethical preparation, will position Dominican professionals at the forefront of the new digital economy.
