A Bold New Caribbean

Conclusion

I am afraid we must stay here for now. In a follow-up article, I will elaborate the new product development possibilities for the Authentic Avatar-Digital Dweller hybrid. Suffice it to say that Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies would form the core. I will also speculate about how other consumer types such as the Conscientious Consumer, the Green Goer, the Wellness Wisher, and the Legacy Leaver alone or in combination compliment all of this and what these can mean for targeted niche investments in new product development and differentiation for Caribbean countries. The still emerging, multi-faceted digital economy and society, and emerging consumer and technology trends present tremendous opportunities for Caribbean countries to upgrade and prosper in global value chains through targeted investments in niche product development areas. This requires new forms of public-private-civic partnerships at local, regional, and global scales. The task demands a bold, winning mindset with a focused global-local approach to knowl- edge building of our indigenous resources and sharp mapping and analysis of emerging trends. It is time for big bold initiatives, championed and communicated through visionary, yet attentive and responsive leadership, and facilitated and sustained through inclusive and strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, regional institutions, friendly gov- ernments, key development actors, and global industry players.