Regulation and administrative simplification to deliver better public services in the Dominican Republic

This chapter introduces the governance arrangements that guide and shape the delivery of public services in the Dominican Republic, and that set the foundation for other policy levers to be fully effective, such as digital government, public innovation and administrative simplification. It describes the current institutional framework governing the provision of services in the Dominican Republic and the numerous reforms that have been undertaken in the past 50 years. The challenges to realise the full potential of the current institutional setting are discussed. On the one hand, the challenges related to whole-of-government co-ordination and coherence, and on the other hand, the integration of existing information systems, including those that collect feedback and experience from users and beneficiaries, capacity building and administrative structure. The role of MAP as a natural institutional leader is also discussed. The chapter concludes with recommendations to improve the governance underpinnings of service delivery in the Dominican Republic.