With this progress, the UBA expands its presence in the global ranking, increasing from 9 to 13 disciplines within the top 100, while maintaining 5 of them in the top 50: Petroleum Engineering (ranked 24th globally), Modern Languages, Anthropology, Law, and Sociology.

The disciplines that were already in the top 100 in previous years have maintained their prominent positions. These include Petroleum Engineering, Modern Languages, History, Law, Sociology, Art and Design, Political and International Sciences, and Anthropology.

UBA’s rector, Ricardo Gelpi, stated:

“UBA’s positioning in the renowned QS ranking fills us with pride and renews our commitment and responsibility as an academic institution. It is the result of the continuous work of our entire community, which remains a benchmark in the fields of science and education. We are a public, tuition-free, and large-scale university that maintains its prestige in both traditional areas and cutting-edge disciplines such as data science and artificial intelligence, which are strategic and widespread in today’s world.”

This ranking classifies five broad areas and 55 specific subjects globally, assigning scores to each discipline based on various criteria, such as academic and employer reputation, the number of publications in high-impact scientific journals, citations of research papers, and the international collaboration of research teams. This assessment is one of three conducted by the prestigious British consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds. In the global ranking published last year, UBA ranked 71st, rising 24 positions compared to the 2023 edition.

The subject areas newly included in the top 50 of the ranking reflect a diverse and high-quality academic offering aligned with contemporary global issues and advancements. Artificial intelligence, with its cross-disciplinary applications; research on fossil energies; Veterinary Sciences as a pillar of development in a food-exporting country; and Communication and Media Studies in a globalized context are just a few examples of how UBA continues to lead in knowledge and academic training.

Gelpi added:

“To continue on this path, it is essential that our professors, researchers, and non-teaching staff receive salaries and investment that match the importance of their work. A better university means a better future for our country. The results obtained should serve as both motivation and a challenge to continue building an institution of academic excellence.”

Regarding positioning by broad subject areas, UBA ranks in the top 100 in three of the five evaluated areas: Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, and Natural Sciences.

This center, which already has 3,500 employees, functions as a global hub for technology, operations, finance, and legal services. The expansion comes at a time when the company is observing growing investor interest in Argentina following the first year of President Javier Milei’s administration.

According to Alfonso Eyzaguirre, CEO of JP Morgan for Latin America and Canada and head of investment banking for the region, the company is working on a long-term real estate plan to accommodate the expanded team.

This strategic center, established in 2014, has already relocated functions from places such as India and the United States. Argentina was chosen for this hub due to its availability of skilled labor, English proficiency, and time zone alignment with the U.S.

In addition to the expansion in Argentina, JP Morgan has increased its client-facing staff in Brazil, Mexico, and other Latin American countries. The decision made in January to merge its commercial banking division with its corporate and investment banking division globally has been “great news” for the region. This integration will allow the bank to expand its coverage and serve commercial banking clients in countries where it previously had no presence. Previously, JP Morgan’s Latin American commercial banking operations were limited to Brazil and Mexico. Now, this business will be able to serve companies ranging from startups to firms with annual revenues of nearly $2 billion across the region.

JP Morgan’s move further solidifies Argentina’s importance as a key hub for global services and highlights the region’s potential in the global economic landscape.

Key Points:

• Expansion: JP Morgan will hire 1,500 people in Buenos Aires over the next five years.
• Strategic Center: The Buenos Aires center serves as a global hub for multiple areas.
• Investor Interest: Increased investor interest in Argentina following President Javier Milei’s first year in office.
• Merger: The merger of commercial banking with corporate and investment banking expands coverage in Latin America.
• Labor Market: Companies seek skilled labor, English proficiency, and time zone alignment with the U.S.
• Expectations: More mergers and acquisitions are expected in 2025.

With 65 years of history in the country, EY Argentina currently has a team of 4,000 employees providing services to more than 2,000 clients. Its recent announcement to hire 1,000 new professionals over the next two years underscores the company’s commitment to Argentine talent and its intention to expand its impact in key sectors such as energy, agribusiness, mining, and financial services.

“Argentina has a unique potential to lead the transformation of the knowledge economy in the region,” highlighted Verónica Asla, Regional Director of EY Global Delivery Services. “Our mission is to be at the forefront of this change, connecting our clients with innovative solutions that drive their growth and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.”

Strategic Investments in a Digital and Sustainable Future

As part of its “Shape the future with confidence” strategy, EY will invest in new technologies and services focused on digital transformation, sustainability, cybersecurity, and capital market development. The creation of Centers of Excellence, such as those dedicated to oil, gas, and agribusiness, reflects its focus on key industries for the national economy.

“Our goal is to integrate the multidisciplinary knowledge of our teams to serve the most complex needs of our clients, contributing not only to their success but also to Argentina’s growth as a strategic hub for the knowledge economy,” said Asla.

In addition, the company will strengthen its exports of high-value-added services to Latin America and other global markets, generating foreign currency and fostering quality employment opportunities.

Argentine Talent for a Global Market

In a context where companies increasingly seek innovative and cross-cutting solutions, EY recognizes that talent is its main asset. Its vision includes integrating diverse profiles such as engineers, programmers, environmentalists, and sustainability specialists to meet the challenges of a dynamic global market.

“We are experiencing a historic moment for Argentina. Competitiveness and trust generation will be the pillars of the future, and at EY, we are ready to lead this change alongside our clients and our communities,” concluded Asla.

With this perspective, EY Argentina not only celebrates 65 years of presence in the country but also positions itself as a driver of transformation for Argentina, connecting its global experience with local opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

“Artificial intelligence is not just a technological tool; it is also an opportunity to redefine Argentina’s productive model by leveraging its unique capabilities in human talent, innovation, and a robust scientific-technological ecosystem,” highlighted Luis Galeazzi, Executive Director of Institutional Relations at Argencon. Currently, the country has more than 150,000 professionals in the IT sector, positioning itself as one of the top exporters of knowledge-based services in the region.

Argentina stands out for its highly skilled workforce, with globally recognized talent known for creativity, adaptability, and the ability to solve complex problems. Its scientific and technological base includes more than 300 research institutes affiliated with universities and CONICET, driving innovation across multiple fields. Additionally, the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has led to the creation of over a dozen unicorn startups, while its time zone and cultural affinity with key markets facilitate integration into global projects.

Despite these competitive advantages, Argentina faces significant challenges that must be addressed to solidify its position in the global tech landscape. Improving the quality of education and promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers is crucial, as is establishing a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and removes investment barriers. Developing a modern technological infrastructure—including data centers and high-speed connectivity across the country—is also essential.

Around the world, discussions on supporting AI growth highlight key structural challenges, including energy availability, chip manufacturing, and the need to multiply the number of data centers. Companies in the U.S. and other leading nations are adopting AI at a faster rate, not only due to their investment capacity but also because of their existing infrastructure. In this regard, Argentina’s comparative advantages—such as its energy potential, diverse energy matrix, skilled workforce, and natural resources—will be critical to harnessing AI’s potential.

“We are facing a historic opportunity to leverage our capabilities and position Argentina as the world’s fourth global AI hub. This requires a public-private strategy that prioritizes STEM education, regulatory modernization, and investment in technological infrastructure,” Galeazzi emphasized.

These transformations have the potential to generate significant benefits for the local economy, including an increase in knowledge-based service exports—a rapidly growing global market. Additionally, new high-skilled, well-paying jobs are expected to be created, along with the development of regional innovation ecosystems through initiatives like “100 Knowledge Cities.”

Argentina has the opportunity to strengthen its technological development through public-private partnerships, leveraging economic incentives and promoting the establishment of global tech companies within its borders. Highlighting advantages such as access to low-cost energy and favorable geographic conditions will be key to attracting investment.

In this context, collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors is essential to establishing Argentina as a leader in the knowledge economy and building a sustainable technological future.

“Artificial intelligence is not just a technology—it is an opportunity for Argentina to lead a new global paradigm. Our knowledge ecosystem, cultivated over decades, is the foundation for becoming a hub of innovation and a driving force for economic recovery, propelling younger generations toward a promising professional future,” concluded Luis Galeazzi, Executive Director of Institutional Relations at Argencon.

Due to these fluctuations, nominal values should be analyzed with special caution, and their results should not be projected linearly into the coming quarters, particularly as key aspects of the new policy are still in the process of implementation.

Regarding statistical data from this period, the main conclusion is that both export levels and employment remained stable—an indication of the sector’s resilience during such a volatile period.

Total exports reached USD 7.831 billion, representing a 1.4% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. However, the second quarter of 2024 saw a notable 8.7% increase, signaling a recovery after previous quarters of negative trends.

Globally, knowledge-based service exports grew 8.6% in 2023, according to WTO data. However, Argentina’s share in the global market declined to 0.23%, dropping to 43rd place in the ranking, compared to its 0.37% share in 2010. This decline reflects the impact of years of macroeconomic instability on the country’s competitiveness.

“The Knowledge Economy is essential for Argentina’s development. It is therefore critical to continue advancing measures to stabilize the macroeconomy and reduce the country’s cost asymmetries—key conditions for enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness,” stated Luis Galeazzi, Executive Director of Argencon.

The report also highlights the strategic opportunity presented by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly with the implementation of the new Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI). This program aims to position Argentina as a global hub for disruptive technologies, complementing the benefits established by the Knowledge Economy Law.

Orrego highlighted that this federal initiative will consolidate San Juan’s innovative ecosystem and strengthen its economic diversity, in sectors ranging from mining to agribusiness, in addition to the knowledge economy, which is essential in the digital age.

“It is crucial to recognize that these funds come from mining royalties, which allows us to finance initiatives like this without the need for reimbursement,” the governor emphasized, reinforcing the province’s commitment to reinvesting resources generated by mining in strategic and sustainable sectors for the future.

For his part, Gustavo Fernández, Minister of Production, Innovation, and Labor, emphasized the importance of innovation and knowledge in the development of the region. “Today we recognize the innovative companies that participate in the productive innovation program, launched in the middle of the year, a key program that has funded 30 projects selected from 60 candidates,” said Fernández, indicating that each initiative will receive a non-reimbursable contribution of 5 million pesos, totaling 150 million pesos destined for the development of productive solutions.

A program focused on the economy of the future

The new Knowledge Economy Strengthening Program focuses on two strategic areas:

• Development of Knowledge Economy (KE) Projects: This component is aimed at startups and micro-technological companies seeking to develop knowledge-intensive projects. With a budget of 200 million pesos for 2024, it is expected to finance at least 20 projects, each with non-reimbursable contributions of up to 10 million pesos, covering 70% of the cost. Resources can be used for the acquisition of capital goods, the hiring of outsourced services, and qualified personnel.
• Promotion and Management of Talent in KE: This axis focuses on the training and qualification of specialized talent through activities such as workshops, hackathons, and conferences. With a budget of 50 million pesos, contributions of up to 5 million pesos per project will be allocated, covering up to 70% of the cost. Key sectors to be addressed include artificial intelligence, robotics, video games, fintech, and blockchain, seeking to position San Juan as a national technological reference. “This is a first step towards a future where we will seek to expand these opportunities,” said Fernández. The minister invited the actors of the technological ecosystem to join this initiative that seeks to generate quality jobs for San Juan residents and transform the local productive matrix towards a more sustainable and high value-added model.

Productive innovation: benefits for water and energy efficiency

The beneficiary projects of the Productive Innovation Assistance Program, which were also highlighted at the event, received their certificates in recognition of the development of innovative solutions for the productive sector. This program prioritized water and energy efficiency, as well as the use of renewable energies, critical issues for San Juan. Initiatives included process optimization, product and service improvements, and sustainable technology, such as solar energy.

Of the 60 projects presented, 30 were selected to receive 100% of the funding, while the rest will be redirected to other sources of economic support. Projects cover areas such as biotechnology, automation, and optimization of natural resource use.

Towards a more innovative San Juan

Through these initiatives, the province of San Juan is positioning itself as an emerging center of the knowledge economy in Argentina, supporting both technology companies and actors in the education system and local entrepreneurs. With the delivery of these funds, the authorities seek to strengthen the training of local talent and generate specialized employment in high-demand areas.

The governor was accompanied at the event by the Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Germán Von Euw; the mayor of the Capital, Susana Laciar; and the Minister of Mining, Juan Pablo Perea, along with other authorities, highlighting the importance of this investment for the economic and social growth of the region.

Through this initiative, the government aims to increase the presence and expansion of Global Service Centers in the country. The strategy includes not only strengthening existing centers but also attracting new ones, both from multinationals with local operations and from companies that do not yet have a presence in the country, with the support of Argentine embassies abroad.

This effort is part of the intention to consolidate Argentina as an attractive destination for these operations, which not only drive economic growth and job creation but also promote the export of high-value-added services. In 2023, national exports of professional services totaled 4.8 billion dollars.

The Argentine professional services sector, which generates 60,000 jobs, has attracted more than 50 Global Service Centers of leading multinationals in sectors such as human resources management, accounting, legal advice, finance, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and application development, among others.

Argentina Delivers is an initiative promoted by the Secretariat of Small and Medium Enterprises, Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Economy of the Ministry of Economy and the Secretariat of International Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship.

The event was attended by the Secretary of Small and Medium Enterprises, Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Economy, Marcos Ayerra; the president of Argencon, Sebastián Mocorrea; the Undersecretary of Knowledge Economy, Santiago Pordelanne; the Undersecretary for the Promotion of Exports, Investments, Education, Science and Culture, Ramiro Velloso; the Director of Promotion of Knowledge-Based Services, Creative Industries, Tourism and Sports of the Nation, Carolina Bustos; and the Institutional Executive Director of Argencon, Luis Galeazzi.

In addition, during the launch event, representatives of companies with a presence in the country presented their experiences. Among them were the Leader of EY GDS for Latin America, Verónica Asla; the Leader of the Accenture Argentina Service Center, Adriana Morteo; the Managing Director of J.P. Morgan, Clara Mendiberri; and the Leader of the Cargill Argentina Service Center, Agustina Alonso.

The report focuses on evaluating how technology influences everyday activities such as communication, education, commerce, and entertainment. Sebastián Mur, Vice-Rector of ITBA and Dean of the School of Innovation, stated:

“This year, we went a step further and added a comparison between the main countries in the region to highlight the available technological opportunities that can improve quality of life.”

Argentina at the forefront of technological innovation

84% of respondents in the region agree that technology has had a positive impact on their daily lives, but adoption levels vary by country and area of application. Argentina is at the forefront with 53% of technology adoption, reflecting widespread access to digital tools that have improved key aspects of its citizens’ daily lives.

Most of this adoption is driven by communication technologies, with 98% of the population using tools like WhatsApp, and 65% of users highlighting its positive impact on quality of life. Information access platforms, led by Google, also have significant penetration, while in the education sector, the use of YouTube for learning is key. However, in areas such as financial services, adoption varies significantly between countries. Argentina leads with the Mercado Pago app, while in México and Colombia, access to these types of services still faces limitations.

Opportunities and challenges in the region

While Argentina leads the overall index, the report also reveals areas of opportunity for both the country and the region as a whole. Applications for job search, security, and government procedures are sectors where technology has yet to make a significant impact. On average, less than 30% of the regional population perceives an improvement in these areas.

For Argentina, the biggest shortcomings are in the area of cybersecurity, while in Mexico the main opportunities lie in the development of financial services. In contrast, Colombia stands out in the use of educational technologies, surpassing its neighbors with 89% accessibility in this sector.

A promising technological future

The ITBA study not only exposes the current state of technology adoption in the region but also offers a roadmap for the development of new tools and applications that can transform underdeveloped sectors. In the words of Fernando Fabre, director of the ITBA Innovation Hub,

“there are opportunities for substantial improvement in various sectors,” and it is crucial that policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors take these data into account to maximize the positive impact of technology on people’s lives.

With Argentina at the forefront, Latin America is at a technological crossroads where the challenge is not only to increase access to digital tools but also to ensure that they truly improve quality of life in all aspects. Meanwhile, the ITBA report is consolidated as an invaluable resource for those seeking to drive innovation in the region.

TECweek emerges as a key opportunity to boost the knowledge economy in Argentina, where more than 15,000 technology companies currently operate, employing more than 260,000 people. Macri highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to foster growth.

“The City will become a laboratory of ideas, attracting investment and generating employment,” said the Head of Government of Buenos Aires.

During the week, Buenos Aires will be the epicenter of discussions and activities related to blockchain, artificial intelligence, video games, and digital education. Among the most outstanding events are the Night of Innovation, Campus Party, and the Summit BA Gaming, which seek to encourage creativity and innovation in various sectors.

“This is a great opportunity to develop the knowledge industry. In a few days, we can bring together events that inspire new generations and show that great companies are emerging from Argentina,” said Mario Pergolini, businessman and promoter of the event.

With TECweek, Buenos Aires not only strengthens its position as a regional technology hub but also opens the doors to new possibilities for the sustained development of the knowledge economy in the country. The complete agenda of activities is available on Descubrir BA and through Boti, the City’s virtual assistant.

One positive aspect of RIGI is its potential to improve the international competitiveness of Argentine companies. Ariel Becher, Tax Partner (ITTS) at EY Argentina, highlighted that investments in technology not only benefit local companies but also allow them to compete in the global market. As companies improve their infrastructure and adopt new technologies, they become more attractive to foreign investors, which can result in a greater inflow of capital into the country. Likewise, the commitment of investment projects to hire up to 20% of local suppliers is a strategy that not only promotes the development of the technology industry but also generates a multiplier effect on the economy. Argentine companies that integrate into the supply chain of these projects will have the opportunity to grow and modernize, thus creating a more robust industrial ecosystem.

Promoting local collaboration and sustainable development

RIGI also focuses on collaboration between local companies and investment projects, which represents a great opportunity to strengthen the local economy. Gonzalo Brest, Tax and Legal Partner at KPMG Argentina, emphasized that the participation of local suppliers in investment projects not only gives them access to new markets but also contributes to the sustainable development of the region. This can lead to an increase in demand for local products and services, which translates into more jobs and a significant boost to the regional economy. In addition, creating a conducive environment for innovation becomes a key element to attract talent. RIGI can encourage professionals and experts to settle in Argentina, thus strengthening the country’s human capital. Investment in training and education, in parallel with RIGI, will ensure that the workforce is prepared to meet the challenges of the modern technology industry. For his part, Christian Fuciños, Partner at Deloitte Argentina, highlighted the importance of the General Investment Incentives Regime (RIGI) to enhance the competitiveness of the technology sector in Argentina. He stressed that this regime not only seeks to attract significant investments but also creates a favorable environment for local companies to grow and develop. Fuciños emphasized that by providing tax incentives and customs benefits, RIGI can become an engine for innovation and technology transfer in the country. In addition, he stressed that these opportunities can facilitate the creation of skilled employment and contribute to strengthening the economy, positioning Argentina as a benchmark in the technology sector at the global level. Experts agreed that RIGI represents an opportunity for Argentina to recover the ground lost in the field of technology investment. Juan Manuel Magadán, Tax Partner at PwC Argentina, concluded that this regime is a step towards the modernization of the country, creating a more attractive environment for investments that can transform the Argentine economy. The panelists emphasized the importance of both the public and private sectors working together to maximize the benefits of RIGI and ensure that Argentina positions itself as a leader in innovation in the region.