FY 2024 Dominican Republic Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | July 2024 Acknowledgements The Dominican Republic Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Dominican Republic country team and independent field agency, Newlink Dominicana. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Alejandra De La Paz (External Affairs Associate) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in the Dominican Republic Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in the Dominican Republic Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in better understanding how stakeholders in the Dominican Republic perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with the Dominican Republic’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past four years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in the Dominican Republic? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding WBG’s work in the Dominican Republic? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics that the WBG communicates do stakeholders recall? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview ▪ Fielded February – May 2024 Government Institution 38% ▪ 613 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Civil Society Organization 15% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the fielding agency Private Sector 15% ▪ Process managed on the ground by the fielding agency Media 15% ▪ 157 participants (26% response rate) ▪ 85% from Greater Santo Domingo ▪ 57% currently collaborate with the WBG Academia / Research Centers 8% ▪ Compared to FY19 Country Survey Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 6% ▪ 153 participants (41% response rate) ▪ 85% from Santo Domingo Provincial, Municipal, or City 3% ▪ 30% collaborated with the WBG Government Office or Staff Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Office of the President, Office of the 1% Vice President, Minister What is your primary current employment affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=157) 5 6 Overall Context “Continuous and rigorous monitoring of the country's reform measures to guide it towards more inclusive and sustainable development. Better identify opportunities for improvement and seek solutions for the different sectors. Currently, aid directed to agriculture and exports must be largely considered in order to make their projections and sustainability more efficient. I take this opportunity to congratulate the guidelines for the operations that are aligned with the new MAP project for the period 2022-2026.” (Civil Society Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Q Republic? (N=104) Consistent Familiarity with the World Bank ▪ Comparison of FY19 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported similar levels of familiarity with the Bank as the respondents in the FY19 Survey: All Respondents 7.3 Mean familiarity: FY24 = 7.3 FY19 = 7.3 Government Institutions 8.5 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated Private Sector 7.4 that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 8.4 Media 6.6 Do not collaborate = 5.8 Academia 6.3 ▪ Stakeholders: Respondents from government institutions and the private sector indicated the highest levels of familiarity Bilateral/Multilateral Agency 6.3 with the WBG, whereas respondents from civil society reported much lower levels of familiarity with its work. Civil Society 5.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in the Dominican Republic? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar Statistically similar between stakeholder groups 7 Stakeholders Most Familiar with the IDB and WBG ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to Inter-American Development indicate their familiarity with the work of several international 7.4 Bank (IDB/BID) organizations in addition to the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in the Dominican Republic World Bank Group 7.3 indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB/BID) work, followed by the WBG. Respondents were least familiar with the work of the European Union 6.8 European Investment Bank (EIB), Latin American Development Bank (CAF), and Central American Bank for United Nations Agencies, Economic Integration (CABEI). 6.5 Funds, and Programs International Monetary Fund 6.1 Central American Bank for 4.7 Economic Integration (CABEI) Latin American Development 4.5 Bank (CAF) European Investment Bank 4.2 (EIB) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in the Dominican Republic? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 Q The WBG is Among the Most Central Bank of the Dominican Republic* 6.5 8.5 Trusted Institutions World Bank Group* 8.1 7.6 8.0 Respondents in the Dominican Republic gave the highest Academia / research centers trust ratings to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, the WBG, and academia. Of note is that trust National government* 7.6 5.1 ratings have significantly increased for most institutions, especially for the national government, Congress, and the Regional development banks 7.5 Central Bank. (e.g., IDB, CAF, CABEI)* 6.9 7.5 Private sector* 6.1 FY24 7.5 Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs)* FY19 6.9 7.4 International Monetary Fund* 6.7 7.2 United Nations 7.4 6.7 Media* 5.8 Provincial, Municipal, and City 6.5 government Congress (Camara de Diputados 6.0 y Camara de Senadores)* 4.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for the Dominican Republic? Mean Rating of Trust Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between years 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “1. Oversight and supervision of financial support programs of the Dominican Government. 2. Support projects that truly impact the quality of life of citizens. 3. Demand maximum transparency in the execution of financing.” (Private Sector Respondent) “1. To disseminate more widely the knowledge generated through the Academies. 2. To strengthen the link with the private sector 3. To promote greater integration and participation of Civil Society in the responses to the needs of the Dominican Republic. .” (Civil Society Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Q Republic? (N=104) Key Performance Indicators Significantly Improving In FY24, respondents gave higher ratings for the WBG’s Positive influence on shaping 8.1 positive influence on shaping development policy, development policy* 6.9 relevance to development in the Dominican Republic, alignment with their development priorities, and effectiveness in helping the Dominican Republic achieve 8.1 development results than respondents in FY19. Relevant role in development* 6.9 Aligned with development 8.0 priorities* FY24 6.7 FY19 Effectiveness in helping 8.0 Dominican Republic achieve results^* 7.2 Helps end poverty in Dominican 7.9 Republic 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in the Dominican Republic. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Mean Rating Q The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in the Dominican Republic. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for the Dominican Republic. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work helps end poverty in the Dominican Republic. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping the Dominican Republic achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY19: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in the Dominican Republic. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in the Dominican Republic? Scale: 1 To 11 no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference between years Government Institutions, 8.2 8.7 7.4 Trust in the WBG* Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 7.4 8.4 7.3 and Private Sector Respondents 8.7 8.3 Consistently Have More Positive influence on shaping development policy* 7.6 8.3 Positive Views of the WBG 6.9 7.4 Government 8.7 Institutions Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators 8.4 Relevant role in 7.4 Bilateral/Multilateral between stakeholder groups show that respondents from Agency development* 8.1 government institutions, bilateral or multilateral agencies, 7.3 7.4 Civil Society and the private sector gave the highest ratings for these key indicators of the WBG’s performance. In contrast, 8.6 Private Sector respondents from academia tended to give significantly 8.3 Aligned with development 7.2 lower ratings. priorities* 7.9 Academia 7.1 7.3 Media 8.5 7.2 Effectiveness in helping 7.2 Dominican Republic achieve 8.1 results^* 7.4 *Significant difference 7.6 between stakeholder groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among 8.8 Positive influence on shaping respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- 7.6 development policy* 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity 6.8 with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 8.6 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Alignment with development 7.5 WBG, the more positive perceptions they have of the priorities* 6.5 WBG and its work. 8.8 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Relevant role in development* 7.6 to increase positive perceptions. 6.7 Effectiveness in helping the 8.5 Dominican Republic to achieve 7.6 results* 6.6 8.8 Trust the WBG to do what 7.9 is right for the Dominican Republic* 6.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Dominican Republic? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for the Dominican Republic? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much Q The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in the Dominican Republic. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree*Significant difference between The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in the Dominican Republic. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree levels of familiarity The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for the Dominican Republic. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 13 How effective is the WBG in helping the Dominican Republic achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Dominican Republic is Notably Higher than FY23 IBRD Countries and FY22-FY23 Latin America and the Caribbean Countries on KPIs 8.1 Positive influence on shaping 6.6 development policy 6.8 8.1 Relevant role in development 6.9 7.1 8.1 Dominican Republic Trust in the WBG 7.1 FY24 7.4 Latin America & the Caribbean FY22-FY23 8.0 Aligned with development priorities 6.7 IBRD FY23 7.2 8.0 Effectiveness in helping Dominican 6.8 Republic achieve results 7.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Q FY22-FY23 Latin America and the Caribbean countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Honduras, Panama, and Peru FY23 IBRD countries: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, and Türkiye 14 Stakeholder Trends across Performance Indicators Respondents from government institutions and the private sector had the highest mean rating across the aggregated All Respondents 7.9 responses to the nineteen COS indicator questions. In contrast, respondents from academia had significantly lower ratings. Government Institutions 8.5 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG gave Private Sector 8.0 significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions compared to respondents who do not collaborate with the WBG: Bilateral/Multilateral Agency 7.9 Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 8.5 Media 7.1 Do not collaborate = 7.1 Civil Society 7.1 Academia 7.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “Contribute to the transformation of the Dominican educational system. Collaborate with the Dominican health system and health service networks. Cooperate with the transformation of security and citizen protection systems.” (Government Institution Respondent) “1. Contribute to improving employment policy. 2. Contribute to improving the capacity for results- based management in the public sector. 3. Contribute to improving the strategies and quality of education..” (Government Institution Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Q Republic? (N=104) Development Areas Education and skills development 55% for WBG Focus Environment / natural resource management / disaster risk management 37% Education and skills development remains the top priority Climate change 36% for respondents in FY24. Water / sanitation 33% Environment / natural resource management and climate change were identified by significantly more Urban planning and development 31% respondents, becoming the #2 and #3 priorities in the Transport infrastructure 29% Dominican Republic in FY24. Macroeconomic stability and debt 28% management Public sector governance 27% Jobs 26% In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or Agriculture / food security 26% actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Republic? Energy 25% “-Greater attention to improving sanitation (garbage collection, water, cleaning...) Health / pandemic preparedness 18% -Help to strengthen health Social protection 16% -Greater support for low-income or marginalized sectors” (Media Respondent) Gender equity 13% “Increase financial education. Work hand in hand with NGOs Private sector development 13% help eradicate poverty through impact programs for the most vulnerable sectors of the country.” (Civil Society Respondent) Digital infrastructure development 10% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in the 17 Q Dominican Republic? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=152) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in public sector governance and macroeconomic stability Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth received the highest effectiveness ratings. Of note, perceptions of the Bank’s support in health, and agriculture, and food security notably improved 7.9 Public sector governance 7.4 compared to FY19. 7.8 Macroeconomic stability Human Development 7.4 Debt sustainability 7.2 Social protection FY24 6.7 7.3 Productivity FY19 7.0 Health* 7.3 6.1 Private sector development 7.0 FY24 7.1 7.0 FY19 Trade Gender equity 6.7 6.9 6.8 Job creation / employment 6.2 7.0 Social inclusion 6.7 Infrastructure Environmental Sustainability Energy / extractives 7.2 7.2 Environment / natural resource 7.2 management 6.7 7.1 Water supply and sanitation infrastructure 6.9 7.2 Agriculture and food security* 6.4 FY24 FY24 6.8 FY19 Digital development FY19 *Significant difference 6.9 Climate change 6.7 between years 6.7 Urban development 6.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in the Dominican Republic? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) Mean Rating of Effectiveness 18 19 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in the Dominican Republic “Strengthen its coordination with cooperation agencies to have a greater impact. Focus its impact on three issues that it considers fundamental: institutionality and the fight against corruption, promotion of decent employment and strengthening of social policies. Continue promoting the collection of quality data that guide the actions and policies to be developed.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) “1. Conduct a national assessment to determine the country's main financing needs to boost its development. 2. Establish close contact with public institutions and the private sector to explore financing needs.” (Government Institution Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Q Republic? (N=104) The WBG is Increasingly Seen as an Open, Responsive, Accessible, and Flexible Partner In FY24, respondents continue to view the WBG as a long-term Being a long-term partner to 8.5 partner in the Dominican Republic. Respondents also perceived Dominican Republic 8.4 the WBG as significantly more open, responsive, accessible and flexible than in FY19. ▪ Of note, respondents from civil society had the lowest ratings Openness (sharing data and 8.3 across all questions, giving the lowest mean perception for other information)* 7.5 staff accessibility. Access to WBG staff and 8.0 experts* FY24 In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or 6.9 FY19 actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Republic? Responsiveness to needs in 7.9 “Strengthen its coordination with cooperation agencies to have a greater impact. Focus its impact on three issues that it Dominican Republic* 6.6 considers fundamental: institutionality and the fight against corruption, the promotion of decent employment, and the strengthening of social policies. Continue promoting the Flexibility when circumstances 7.9 collection of quality data that guide the actions and policies to change in Dominican be developed.” Republic*^ 6.4 (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility 20 and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY19. *Significant difference between years The WBG Increasingly Seen as Effectively Collaborating with Stakeholders In FY24, respondents perceived the WBG as collaborating 8.5 significantly more effectively with the national government, National government* 7.8 other donors and development partners, and civil society compared to FY19. Other donors and 7.6 ▪ Of note, respondents from civil society gave the lowest development partners* 6.8 ratings to WBG’s collaboration with civil society (mean=5.4). 7.3 Private sector 6.8 In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its 7.3 National Congress / effectiveness in the Dominican Republic? legislative branch FY24 “1. Identify young local professionals to be involved in the different FY19 initiatives and to be trained in various specialties. Ensure that Provincial, municipal, and 7.1 qualified local personnel are available when implementing the city government projects/programs. 2. Involve civil society and academia more, as well as a greater Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 7.0 dissemination of collaboration opportunities. CBOs)* 6.2 3. Prepare workshops with some frequency aimed at decision- makers who have influence in the different initiatives. They should Academia / research 7.0 explain the projects/programs, explain the commitments, centers responsibilities, steps to follow and benefits and impacts of each one.” (Government Institution Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in the Dominican Republic in terms of collaborating with Q the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference between 21 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with Civil Society and Provincial, Municipal Government Respondents want the Bank to collaborate more with civil Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 50% society and provincial, municipal, and city governments in CBOs) FY24. ▪ Respondents from civil society (86%) and media (65%) were more likely to say that the Bank should collaborate Provincial, municipal, and 45% more with civil society. city government ▪ Respondents from government institutions (59%) and civil society (48%) were more likely to say that the Bank should Academia / research collaborate more with provincial and municipal 38% centers governments. In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness Private sector 30% in the Dominican Republic? “Increase collaboration with local organizations (mayors...). Increase collaboration with legislative bodies. Increase impact in schools and universities.” (Private Sector Respondent) Other donors and 14% development partners “Increase financial education. Work hand in hand with NGOs. Help eradicate poverty through impact programs for the most vulnerable sectors of the country.” (Civil Society Respondent) National Congress / 12% legislative branch In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following Q should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in the Dominican 22 Republic? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=143) 23 Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “1-expand its credit and donation policy to local governments and monitor those resources. 2- strengthen accountability in its donations.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Strengthen its coordination with cooperation agencies to have a greater impact. Focus its impact on three issues that it considers fundamental: institutionality and the fight against corruption, [the] promotion of decent employment, and [the] strengthening of social policies. Continue promoting the collection of quality data that guide the actions and policies to be developed. (Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Q Republic? (N=104) Technical Assistance and Implementation Support, and Financial Resources Considered the Bank’s Greatest Value Technical assistance and 54% implementation support In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Republic? Financial resources 47% “Investment in institutional capacities. Strengthen capacities to prioritize key areas of development in the Dominican Republic, such as education, health, infrastructure, and sustainable economic Knowledge and analytical 34% development, to focus resources and efforts on projects that have a products significant impact on the population. Provide technical and financial assistance to support policies and structural reforms that promote inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and improvement of the Institutional capacity development 29% investment climate in the country.” (Government Institution and training Respondent) “Capacity Building and Digitalization of the Public Sector: the WBG Convening / bringing together 11% should focus on institutional strengthening and capacity building in different groups of stakeholders the public sector, with a particular focus on the digitalization of services. This includes improving the technical and administrative capacities of public officials, as well as investing in information Mobilizing third party financial 11% technologies to make government services more efficient. resources Digitalization can improve transparency, reduce corruption, and facilitate citizen interaction with government.” (Government Institution Respondent) Coordination of international 4% development cooperation Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Dominican Republic? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=154) 24 WBG Financial Services Seen as Increasingly Positive Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, respondents The WBG insists on 8.8 had the highest levels of agreement that the WBG insists accountability through its on accountability through its lending and effectively lending monitors projects it supports in the Dominican Republic The WBG effectively monitors (significantly increased since FY19). and evaluates the projects it 8.6 Respondents this year also had significantly higher levels of supports in Dominican 7.9 Republic* agreement that the WBG provides financial support in a timely manner and that the WBG’s financial instruments The WBG’s Environmental and 7.9 meet the needs of the Dominican Republic compared to Social Framework requirements respondents in FY19. are reasonable 7.4 ▪ Of note, respondents from government institutions had FY24 the highest levels of agreement that the WBG’s financial The conditions of the WBG’s 7.8 FY19 financing are competitive instruments meet the needs of the Dominican Republic compared to markets (mean = 8.2). In contrast, respondents from academia had significantly lower levels of agreement (mean = 5.9). The WBG provides financial 7.7 support in a timely manner*^ 7.1 The WBG’s financial 7.5 instruments meet the needs of Dominican Republic* 6.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY19 *Significant difference between years 25 50% of Respondents Have Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work; Those Who Have were Satisfied with the Quality Half of all respondents reported using the WBG’s The WBG brings global expertise to 9.1 Dominican Republic as part of its knowledge knowledge work in the past. work* 7.9 9.0 Working with the WBG increases Dominican Republic’s institutional capacity * 7.9 No Have you ever 44% 8.8 I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s used the knowledge work in Dominican Republic* Yes WBG’s 7.4 Have you ever 50% knowledge used the WBG’s work? knowledge work? 8.3 The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Dominican Republic’s context* Yes 7.2 Don’t No know 6% 8.3 When I need to consult the WBG’s knowledge work, I know how to find it* 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=141) Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *Significant difference between usage 26 WBG Knowledge Work Perceived More Positively, especially at Contributing to Development Results Respondents had the highest levels of agreement that the 8.6 WBG’s knowledge work significantly contributes to Knowledge work contributes to development results* 7.2 development results (significantly improved compared to FY19), that the WBG brings global expertise to the Dominican Republic, and that working with the WBG The WBG brings global expertise to 8.6 Dominican Republic as part of its increases institutional capacity. 8.0 knowledge work*^ There was less agreement that respondents know how to find the WBG’s knowledge work when they need to Working with the WBG increases 8.5 consult it (especially among private sector and media Dominican Republic’s institutional capacity * 7.7 respondents). FY24 In your opinion, what is the most important thing I am satisfied with the quality of the 8.2 WBG’s knowledge work in Dominican FY19 the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness Republic in the Dominican Republic? “Training, certification and specialization programs in key The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 7.9 areas to achieve economic growth.” (Government Institution Dominican Republic’s context^^ 7.5 Respondent) “More support for areas of extreme poverty, such as donations. More technical support for the public sector, so When I need to consult the WBG’s 7.4 that they learn the magnitude of assistance or financing. knowledge work, I know how to find it More technical support in the educational and health system, so that they are less commercial.” (Media Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in the Dominican Republic? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Are a source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY19. 27 ^^Compared to "Are adaptable to Dominican Republic’s specific development challenges and country circumstances" in FY19 *Significant difference between years 28 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in the Dominican Republic How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Engage with more stakeholders, better align with the Dominican Republic’s development priorities, build capacity, and increase financial support to better meet the Dominican Republic’s needs. Engagement ▪ More engagement and collaboration Focus Area • More aligned with the Dominican with stakeholders in the national 40% Republic’s needs and context 16% government, local government, • Education and those outside of the government Engagement • Climate change ▪ Better understanding of the needs of • Gender equity the Dominican Republic • Digital development Focus Area • Capacity building for institutions • Greater financial support to Knowledge Financial Knowledge • Technical support better meet the Dominican 15% • Utilize local resources to better Support Republic’s needs understand the local context, • Increase in non-reimbursable 5% support capacity, etc. Operational • More capacity development Effectiveness Results 4% • Better monitoring and evaluation • More accommodation for of projects Operational Dominican Republic’s context • Demand for better accountability of the ongoing projects Results Financial Effectiveness • Programs should be aligned Communication with the Dominican Republic’s Support 13% needs Communication • Greater dissemination of the • Broaden the financing scope Bank’s work based on the Dominican 7% Republic’s needs In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement Q to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Republic? (N=104) 29 How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Engage with more stakeholders, better align with the Dominican Republic’s development priorities, build capacity and increase financial support to better meet the Dominican Republic’s needs. Focus Area Engagement “Improve the competitiveness of the productive sectors. Improve the human capital of the Dominican “1. Coordinate actions with other bilateral and multilateral organizations and international Republic and its availability for the development of new projects. Promote the Dominican Republic as cooperation to avoid duplications and identify issues relevant to the country. In this section, an attractive destination for attracting new investments.” (Private Sector Respondent) the public and private sectors, civil society and all actors in national life should be included. “1-Support the strengthening of local government capacities. Pay attention to the reform of local Focus on actors in the sectors: health, tourism, agriculture, environment, security and social administration, financial decentralization and local economic development. 2-Technical assistance to protection, water and sanitation, energy, financial sector, vulnerable and marginalized consolidate processes and initiatives in territorial planning at different levels (national, regional and sectors, disabled, among others. […] 3. Create special paid programs where new municipal) and with a focus on climate change and risk management. 3-Support policies that allow opportunities can be generated for young people who do not have the work experience the articulation of national and local government, the productive sector and civil society in the required by the labor market. This proposal arises because when young people finish their processes of defining and executing public policies and investment in development studies, it is difficult for them to find well-paid work. These programs must be coordinated infrastructure.” (Government Institution Respondent) with academia and the various sectors of national life.” (Academia Respondent) “Strengthen its coordination with cooperation agencies to have a greater impact. Focus its impact on three issues that it considers fundamental: institutionality and the fight against corruption, [the] promotion of decent employment, and strengthening of social policies. Continue promoting the “Working more closely with local governments and providing more opportunities for large collection of quality data that guide the actions and policies to be developed.” (Bilateral or Multilateral Respondent) projects with a vision of economic and social development.” (Provincial, Municipal, or City Government Office or Staff) Operational Effectiveness “1. Support in structuring the APP Dominican Project. 2. Greater flexibility in the programming of collaborative actions with the APP program. 3. Continue with institutional strengthening activities.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Territorial consultations. Greater contact with civil society outside the capital city. Greater agility in supporting the execution of projects.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Formulate initiatives taking into account the diversity of national actors, context. [The WBG should] monitor and make adjustments based on data and results.” (Government Principal Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement Q to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Republic? (N=104) 30 How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Engage with more stakeholders, better align with the Dominican Republic’s development priorities, build capacity, and increase financial support to better meet the country’s needs. Knowledge Financial Support “Strengthening governance and fighting corruption: The Dominican Republic has faced “- Financing with flexible conditions: Offer financing with flexible conditions, such as long challenges related to corruption and lack of transparency in several institutions. The WBG grace periods and low interest rates, to facilitate the implementation of development can work with the government and local organizations to strengthen institutions and projects and reduce the financial burden on the country.” (Private Sector Respondent) improve transparency and accountability mechanisms. Investing in programs that train public officials and encourage citizen participation in decision-making processes can also be very effective. Sustainable development and resilient infrastructure: The WBG can “Support for institutional strengthening in public sector entities. Capacity building in areas of focus its efforts on developing projects that promote environmental sustainability and control and oversight of public resources. Financing of projects related to health, technology resilience to natural disasters. This includes investments in renewable energy, resilient and sustainable energy.” (Government Institution Respondent) infrastructure (especially in hurricane-prone areas), sustainable natural resource management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Investing in human capital and “1. More non-reimbursable support to increase response capacity; 2. Formation of social programs: Investing in education and health human capital is crucial for the long- operational teams to ensure the success of projects; 3. Openness to international best term development of the Dominican Republic. The WBG can finance programs to improve practices in project management.” (Government Institution Respondent) the quality of education and expand access to health.” (Government Institution Respondent) Communication Results “Prepare workshops with some frequency aimed at decision-makers who have influence in the different initiatives. They should explain the projects/programs, explain the “Monitor the outcome of projects at a global level, not just at the project level. Ensure that commitments, responsibilities, steps to follow and benefits and impacts of each one.” the country complies with the SDGs.” (Government Institution Respondent) (Government Institution Respondent) “Request for accountability of public sector financing. Promote public-private partnerships. “Better coordination with the governing bodies of international cooperation in the central Inclusion of clear environmental policies as a requirement for project financing.” government. Greater visibility of the World Bank Group's actions and initiatives in the DR. (Private Sector Respondent) Greater visibility of the mechanisms and entities for access to World Bank Group services.” “Fund research projects that offer tangible and sustainable solutions.” (Government Institution Respondent) (Academia Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could Q implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Republic? (N=104) 31 32 Communication and Outreach “[It] would be beneficial to have periodic updates on what WBG is doing in the DR and the outcomes of the work. Also, gathering those working in the same spaces could help increase collaboration.” (Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent) “Results of analytical production should take less time to be disclosed. Contribute to the debate on proposals. Dissemination and debate of results of evaluations of World Bank interventions in the country.” (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in the Dominican Republic? (N=104) Events and Direct Contact with Staff were the Most Preferred for Receiving WBG Communication Respondents most preferred to receive Bank communications at events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online), followed by direct contact with WBG staff and e-Newsletters. Preferred WBG Channel All Government Bilateral/Multi Respondents Institutions lateral Agency Civil Society Private Sector Academia Media Event / conference / seminar / 56.4% 61.7% 33.3% 63.2% 60.0% 58.3% 40.0% workshop (in person or online) Direct contact with staff (e.g., in person, virtually, phone, 49.3% 55.0% 66.7% 31.6% 50.0% 25.0% 55.0% email) e-Newsletters 44.3% 33.3% 55.6% 42.1% 50.0% 75.0% 50.0% Direct messaging (e.g., 21.4% 25.0% 0.0% 26.3% 25.0% 8.3% 20.0% WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Social media (e.g., Facebook, 10.0% 13.3% 0.0% 15.8% 0.0% 8.3% 10.0% Twitter) How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=140) 33 7 in 10 Engaged with the WBG Recently, Most Often through Direct Contact with WBG staff, Newspapers, and Social Media 70% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG through direct contact, followed by newspapers (print or online) and social media. Direct contact with WBG staff 54% Newspapers (print or online) 45% Social media 40% No Event / conference / seminar (in 30% 37% person or online) Do you recall WBG websites 28% seeing or hearing anything about e-Newsletters 21% the WBG recently? Television (TV) 12% Yes 70% Direct messaging 12% Blogs 9% Radio 4% Podcasts 1% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=140) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=98) 34 WBG Work on Climate Change, Poverty, and WBG Economic Forecasts were the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Climate change 58% Ending poverty in developing 39% Respondents most frequently recalled WBG work or research countries on climate change, ending poverty in developing countries, WBG economic forecasts 37% and WBG economic forecasts. Human capital (education, health) 37% ▪ Respondents from academia were more likely to recall WBG’s work on job creation/empowerment (72%). Social inclusion 36% ▪ Media respondents were the most likely to recall WBG's Food security 26% work on debt relief for developing countries (53%). Debt relief for developing countries 23% Women empowerment 22% Job creation / employment 16% Digital economy 15% Changes to the WBG financial and 13% operational model Youth development 11% If you answered “Yes” for E2, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? 35 Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=97) Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: Frequent Floods and Water Availability 8 in 10 respondents were very concerned about more frequent and severe floods and decreased water availability/quality when it comes to the potential impacts of climate change in Dominican Republic. Sargassum, land and forest degradation, and more frequent and severe droughts were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all More frequent and severe floods 81% Decreased water availability / quality 81% Sargassum 76% Land and forest degradation 73% More frequent and severe droughts 73% More frequent and severe heatwaves 69% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 62% More frequent and intense wildfires 61% Increased erosion of shoreline 54% Loss of jobs 52% Air pollution 49% Extinction of plant / animal species 46% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 45% Climate-driven migration 39% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in the Dominican Republic? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~157) 36 37 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics Do you collaborate/work Are you expected to collaborate/work with the with the World Bank Group (WBG) WBG as part of your current What is the primary specialization in Dominican Republic? job responsibilities? of your work? (N=140) (N=157) (N=157) Other 19% Generalist (specialize in multiple… 12% No Education 10% 27% Public sector governance 8% No 43% Private sector development / trade 7% Yes 57% Yes Environment / natural resource… 7% 73% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt… 5% Water / sanitation 5% Legal / human rights 4% Which of the following WBG agencies do you collaborate/work with in Dominican Republic? (N=157) Climate change 4% Agriculture and food security 3% World Bank (IBRD) 58% Urban development 3% International Finance Health / pandemic preparedness 3% Corporation (IFC) 28% Social protection 3% Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency 3% Energy 3% (MIGA) Gender equity 2% International Centre for Settlement of 3% Digital development 2% Investment Disputes… Transport <1% Percentages equal more than 100% because respondents could choose 38 multiple agencies within the WBG. Sample Demographics (continued) Which best represents your geographic location? (N=140) What is your gender? (N=140) Greater Santo Domingo 85% North 6% East 6% Female 49% Male South 3% 49% What’s your age? (N=139) 25 or younger 1% Prefer not to specify, 1% 26-35 10% 36-45 19% 46-55 29% 56 and above 40% 39 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2019 FY 2024 From February to May 2024, a total of 613 stakeholders in the Dominican Republic were Government Principals: Office of the President, Office of Vice President, Minister, 14% 1% invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Parliamentarian Survey (COS). A list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the fielding agency. Participants were drawn from the Offices of the President, Office of Vice Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation President, Minister, and Parliament, government institutions, local governments, bilateral or Unit, Independent Government Institution, 25% 38% multilateral agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 157 participated in the survey (26% response rate). Respondents Local Government 5% 3% completed the questionnaire via an online platform. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, The results of this year’s survey were compared to the FY19 Survey, with a response Development Organization, Development 15% 6% rate of 41% (N=153). Bank, UN Agency Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time but Civil Society Organization: Local and also changes in respondent samples, changes in methodology, and changes to the survey regional NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 15% 15% instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar Professional/Trade Association, response scales/options were analyzed. This year’s survey saw a different distribution of Faith-Based Group, Youth Group respondents across stakeholder groups, with greater outreach to and/or response from local governments and government institutions but a decrease in civil society and the private sector. Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 12% 15% These differences in stakeholder composition between the two years should be considered Sector Organization, Private Bank when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia / Research Center 6% 8% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 8% 15% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Dominican Other 1% 0% Republic COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents 147 157 What is your primary current employment affiliation? Q (Select only 1 response) N= 157 40 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for the Dominican Republic? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping the Dominican Republic achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in the Dominican Republic? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in the Dominican Republic. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for the Dominican Republic. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in the Dominican Republic. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in the Dominican Republic To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in the Dominican Republic C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in the Dominican Republic C1_5. Being a long-term partner to the Dominican Republic To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Dominican Republic in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other donors and development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of the Dominican Republic. C4_3. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in the Dominican Republic. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to the Dominican Republic’s context. 41 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org