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The Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC in Spanish) has partnered with Ironhack, a top global player in technology education, to foster the acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) within Puerto Rico’s commercial landscape.
This partnership encompasses educational initiatives, exemplified by the program “AI Beyond the Hype: An Executive Educational Series for Strategic Transformation,” conducted in November, which assembled over 30 senior executives from notable organizations across Puerto Rico in a session guided by Chris Stegner and Alex Nucci, AI specialists from Very Big Things in Miami. Throughout the session, attendees gained crucial skills for embedding AI into their business frameworks. They delved into subjects like organizational readiness for AI, fostering a data-driven mentality, and crafting tailored roadmaps for business success.
These educational initiatives are components of the DDEC’s 21st Century Techforce program, aimed at ensuring Puerto Rico is well-positioned to lead in the realm of digital transformation.
“Our objective is to make certain that Puerto Rico remains at the leading edge in embracing cutting-edge technologies,” stated DDEC Secretary Manuel Cidre. “These endeavors mark a significant move toward solidifying our island as a hub of innovation and technological prowess in the worldwide market.”
María José Pérez Canals, the assistant secretary of strategic projects at DDEC and head of the AI adoption initiative, highlighted the significance of educational programs.
“21st Century Techforce is a proactive response to the global digital transformation,” she remarked. “Our partnership with Ironhack and various key institutions guarantees that our workforce is ready to take the lead in this evolving technological environment.”
She noted that the initiative aims to train 50,000 skilled workers over the next decade, bridging the gap between the demand for digital roles and the growth of homegrown talent.
