2014 Medellin Blog: Minister of Information Technologies and Communications Diego Molano Vega

By
Rachel Glickhouse

Colombia's minister of information technology discussed how innovation is changing Colombia.

Speaker:

  • Diego Molano Vega, Minister of Information Technologies and Communications

Closing the 2014 Medellin conference, Colombia's Minister of Information Technologies and Communications Diego Molano Vega shared his perspectives on how innovation is changing Colombia.

During the current administration, "we wanted to create a technology revolution," said Molano. It's not just a matter of implementing technology; nearly 1,100 municipalities in Colombia now have fiber optic connections. But it's also a means to reduce poverty, he explained. Plus, digital inclusion isn't just for individuals. Through public-private partnerships, the government helped get internet access for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and now over 60 percent of SMEs are online. Technology has helped the government itself; the IT ministry has worked with other ministries to develop mobile apps, for example.

Technology is a means to social inclusion. Molano said his ministry created Convertic, free software for the blind.

"Colombia is the most connected country in South America," said Molano. Today it has nine submarine cables." Internet access and technology means the country can work on improving education. But, he cautioned, it’s not just education that is key for innovation; it’s quality education. "Technological progress represents an opportunity for those that are adequately trained," he said.

Watch the minister's remarks (en español).