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.

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.

At the launch event, Macri highlighted the importance of the technology industry: “BA Gaming aims to promote and understand that video games and eSports are much more than a pastime. Our challenge is to position the City as a leader in Latin America in video games, eSports, and technology in general.”

The mayor was accompanied by the Secretary of Innovation and Digital Transformation, Diego Fernández; the Secretary of Sports, Fabian Turnes; and legislator Darío Nieto.

One of the pillars of this program is the Gamer Training Academy, offering virtual training to young people over 16 in areas such as an introduction to eSports, game strategies, nutrition, and sports psychology. Additionally, Gaming Labs have been inaugurated at various locations in the city, equipped for competitive practices, thus strengthening the local tech ecosystem.

“There is a whole industry and a great opportunity for growth for the talent in the City of Buenos Aires. Young people can find in this the opportunity to work, grow, and create. We are committed to supporting and developing this industry as a key economic driver for our city,” emphasized Macri.

The strategically distributed Gaming Labs in the city include Leviatán (Humboldt 1667), Hawks (Cullen 5258), Maycam Evolve (Ladines 3427), Sim Arg (Ceretti 2161), KRÜ Sports (Costa Rica 6000), Furious Gaming (Av. Santa Fe 1970), and Racket (Av. Alsina 1450).

On June 16, Buenos Aires hosted the final of the Fire League, one of the main eSports tournaments worldwide. Additionally, the city will host and sponsor six regional and international events, such as the BA Gaming Summit. In August, the third edition of the BA Gaming Cup will begin, inviting young people from all over the country to compete in popular games like League of Legends (LOL), Free Fire, and Counter-Strike. The third edition of the Training Academy will also take place, and in September, the second edition of the BA Gaming Bootcamp, a day of intensive training for 40 young people, will be held.

To create this ranking, QS evaluated indicators such as student perception, the quality of educational institutions, affordability, livability, job opportunities, and diversity, among other factors.

Eight Latin American cities are featured in the ranking, with Buenos Aires standing out as the best in the region. London ranks first globally for the sixth consecutive time, followed by Tokyo and Seoul. Munich and Melbourne complete the top five positions.

Buenos Aires: The Best City in Latin America to Study

Buenos Aires is ranked 42nd globally, eight places below last year, making it the first Latin American city on the list. Santiago de Chile follows in 47th place, while Mexico City (69), Bogotá (90), São Paulo (97), Monterrey (96), and Lima (112) are also on the list. Rio de Janeiro rounds out the regional presence in 138th place.

In response to these results, Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, expressed: “We are delighted to celebrate the continued success of Buenos Aires as Latin America’s best student city, a well-deserved recognition for its role as an epicenter of education, innovation, and culture.”

“As partners of universities, policymakers, and students, we provide evidence-based data on the benefits of international education for both students and countries,” Turner added.

Buenos Aires leads the student mix indicator, defined as a “diverse and eclectic student body.” The city ranks 52nd globally in this category, being the only Latin American city among the top 100. It also excels in the desirability indicator, standing out as a popular destination for study and living.

This indicator considered responses from student surveys and other data such as pollution levels, safety, TripAdvisor reviews, and corruption levels.

UBA: The Best University in Ibero-America

According to Quacquarelli Symonds, the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) ranked 71st in the QS World University Rankings, consolidating its position as the best in Argentina and Ibero-America, advancing 24 places compared to last year.

“The QS World University Ranking 2025 places UBA as the best university in Latin America, surpassing the Universidade de São Paulo and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM),” detailed the report by the British consultancy.

The Globant AppHaus Buenos Aires focuses on co-innovation with clients through the SAP Business Technology Platform, combining SAP’s enterprise technology with Globant’s extensive experience to guide companies in their digital acceleration journey.

Globant joins the global SAP AppHaus Network, a community of SAP teams and partners united by the belief that innovation requires a creative and inspiring environment. This network is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of designers, customer management leaders, and technology and business experts. Its human-centered methodology combines design thinking and architecture thinking techniques, which facilitate the development and creation of technologically feasible, financially viable solutions with customizable experiences.

“We are proud that SAP has chosen us to inaugurate the first AppHaus in Argentina. For 21 years, we have developed and helped clients implement end-to-end solutions to transform their businesses together with them. I have no doubt that this inauguration is just the beginning of a long journey towards co-creating great innovative projects,” said Fernando Montero Bolognini, Managing Director of Globant Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

“SAP’s vision is for all organizations to become agile, intelligent, and sustainable enterprises with the help of technology. The opening of this first AppHaus in Argentina is an important step in that direction. This collaboration with Globant will allow us to work with more clients and companies of all sizes and industries, helping them become more competitive in today’s digital economy,” said Fernanda Pérez, Country Manager of SAP Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

“The SAP AppHaus Network was created to drive innovation and generate a positive impact on society and business. We can see that Globant is working in the same direction, which excites us for the future. Their experience will expand our global SAP AppHaus Network, which currently includes 21 SAP partners who help us deliver excellent services to our clients,” added Mirela Viersa, Regional Head of the SAP AppHaus Network LAC at SAP.

With this joint commitment, Globant will further enhance its capabilities to provide tangible benefits to its clients and expand its service diversification, strengthening its market profile as a leader in digital acceleration with two decades of experience and presence in over 30 countries.

The inauguration of this innovative space was attended by Diego Schargorodsky, EVP of Globant Latin America, Fernando Montero Bolognini, Managing Director of Globant Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, Claudia Boeri, President of SAP Southern Region, Fernanda Pérez, Country Manager of SAP Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and Leandro Estanga, Chief Partner Officer for SAP Latin America and the Caribbean. The event also featured the prominent participation of Martin Wezowski, Chief Futurist Officer of SAP.

The Importance of SAP AppHaus

The SAP AppHaus Network is a collaborative innovation ecosystem that redefines how companies address challenges and unlock their potential by prioritizing the human experience.

The first SAP AppHaus was established in 2013, and there are now 24 worldwide. Three locations are owned by SAP, and 21 are managed by strategic partners like Globant. To date, the network has hosted around 4,200 workshops, received more than 96,000 visitors, and won over 80 awards.

SAP’s human-centered innovation approach begins with a design thinking process to understand the end user and identify real needs, followed by an iterative process, together with architectural thinking, to achieve the desired solution. The SAP AppHaus Network offers clients various levels of engagement, regardless of their maturity level: from discovering innovation opportunities, including actions such as reevaluating business processes and user interfaces, to delivering comprehensive and scalable solutions.

For more information about SAP AppHaus, visit SAP AppHaus Buenos Aires.

“2023 has been a solid year for Onapsis, marked by unwavering commitment to customers, product innovation, and the unmatched resilience of our team. Our achievements are a testament to the relentless focus on protecting the enterprise applications that drive the global economy, further empowering SAP organizations to securely accelerate their digital transformations towards S/4HANA Cloud, BTP, and RISE,” said Mariano Núñez, CEO of Onapsis.

Onapsis continued to successfully work alongside dozens of the world’s largest SAP customers, including numerous Global 2000 organizations, now representing hundreds of organizations and nearly 30% of the companies on the Forbes Global 100 list.

In addition to success in attracting new customers, the company continued to deliver exceptional value to existing ones, reflected in customer satisfaction ratings and industry-leading retention rates. Other achievements in financial performance include strong margin expansion, increased efficiency, and profitable growth in annual recurring revenue (ARR).

Onapsis was included in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in 2023 for the third consecutive year, underscoring its continued growth and leadership in the industry. In 2023, the company launched over 200 new features and capabilities, including revolutionary innovations such as the AI-powered Onapsis Security Advisor and SAP User Behavior Advanced Analytics. These innovations have been recognized with industry awards, accolades, and high praise from both customers and analysts.

Having discovered and reported over 1,000 zero-day vulnerabilities in critical business applications, Onapsis Research Labs partnered with SAP security and engineering teams to help mitigate dozens of newly discovered zero-day security vulnerabilities in SAP, including a threat of exploitable chainable vulnerabilities dubbed “P4CHAINS,” continuing to make significant contributions to the security of all SAP customers worldwide.

“We are excited to carry this momentum into 2024, with ambitious plans to expand our solutions, empower our customers, and further solidify our position as industry leaders in SAP and ERP security, backed by accelerated, profitable, and sustainable growth,” Nuñez added.

The census identified 340 biotechnology companies in the country, mainly distributed across the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fé, Córdoba, and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. It also highlighted a substantial presence of companies in the provinces of Mendoza and Tucumán. This number positions Argentina as the 10th country in terms of the quantity of companies in the sector globally, surpassing countries like Denmark, Norway, and Austria. Additionally, the census identified 33 nanotechnology companies, along with 74 companies working simultaneously in nano and biotechnology for product and service provision, primarily located in Buenos Aires, the City of Buenos Aires, and Córdoba province.

Results also revealed that out of the total, 77 of the surveyed biotechnology companies focus on agricultural biotechnology, and 73 on human health, while 13 out of the 33 identified nanotechnology companies specialize in nanotechnology.

In 2022, Argentina’s biotechnology industry generated sales worth USD 1.323 billion, exported USD 216 million, and provided 19,821 jobs, with 2,072 dedicated solely to research and development activities. Moreover, nanotechnology companies achieved sales of USD 88 million, exports of USD 4.8 billion, and offered 961 jobs, with 117 related to R&D activities.

Furthermore, the census revealed that 27% of the biotechnology workforce holds at least a university degree, 6% possess a doctorate, and an additional 6% have other postgraduate degrees (master’s and/or specializations). Women represent 50% of the total entrepreneurial teams, highlighting the biotechnology sector’s role in generating highly skilled jobs within the Knowledge Economy.

Presenting the results were Fernando Peirano, President of the Agencia I+D+i; Laura Toledo, Vice President of FAN and National Director of FONARSEC; Federico Trucco, President of CAB; Graciela Ciccia (INSUD/CAB); Sergio Drucaroff (CAB Executive Coordinator); Martín Alfie from the Federal Investment Council (CFI); Javier Viqueira from Adox; Marcelo Paz, Dean of the School of Economics and Business at UNSAM, and Lilia Stubrin from the Research Center for Transformation at UNSAM, the entity in charge of conducting the census.

“This census is one of the latest milestones in our management. Our administration was characterized by the drive to make and transform. These results will serve as public assets aiding in forming a map of actors, investments, impact, and opportunities generated by the biotechnology and nanotechnology sectors in our country,” expressed Fernando Peirano, President of the Agencia I+D+i.

Federico Trucco, President of CAB, stated, “The Census is a valuable effort allowing us to visualize this sector’s virtuous dynamics, measure the impact of public policies, and identify areas for improvement to sustain accelerated biotechnology growth.“

Laura Toledo, FONARSEC Director and FAN Vice President, emphasized, “Now we have numbers to share: the sales, employees, export potential. A wealth of information crucial for designing public policies that, until now, was lacking. Having the support of the Agencia I+D+i for this methodological approach, compared with international studies, is a significant milestone for Argentina’s new technologies.“

The Bio-Nano Census was jointly promoted by the National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development, and Innovation, the Argentine Chamber of Biotechnology, the Argentine Nanotechnology Foundation, the Federal Council for Investments, the Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the National University of San Martín. It received support from the governments of Córdoba and Santa Fe provinces to facilitate the survey of companies. The aim is to update this data biannually to keep the information current and offer insights into the sector’s perspectives and economic performance.

“We’re in Bariloche to reinforce a political direction. Within the team led by Minister Sergio Massa, our goal is for Argentina to become a central player globally in technology, science, the knowledge economy, energy, and capital goods. We aim for national density, so Argentina isn’t just a resource supplier but an industrial, developed, and technology-exporting country. That’s why we’re fostering supplier development across the country, aiming to boost the entire value chain and strengthen our remarkable entrepreneurial capacity,” highlighted Mendiguren.

During their visit to INVAP, the national authorities were received by the company’s General Manager, Vicente Campenni, who stated, “Developing technology is our passion, as it’s our origin. However, the company’s purpose is to contribute to the country’s economic development, which allows us to keep growing.” He emphasized that nearly half of all projects they undertake support the national productive ecosystem, mainly SMEs.

INVAP specializes in designing, integrating, and constructing plants, equipment, and devices in highly complex areas such as nuclear energy, space technology, industrial technology, and medical and scientific equipment. It engages in large-scale projects, with 80% of national added value, collaborating with organizations and companies like the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), National Commission on Space Activities (CONAE), EANA, ARSAT, Defense and Armed Forces, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ministry of Public Works, in addition to local and national SMEs. Currently, it has completed over 1,000 projects with more than 1,700 professionals and exports worth USD 400 million.

The authorities toured the headquarters and visited the Satellite Integration Building, where they are currently integrating the SABIA-Mar satellite from CONAE and the next-generation telecommunications satellite ARSAT SG-1 from ARSAT. Regarding satellite industry development, Campenni highlighted the cost per kilogram of a satellite mission, over USD 80,000, and its consequential added value compared to other industries, such as the aeronautical industry, where the kilogram of an airplane costs around USD 1,000.

All their developments are supported by various continuous improvement mechanisms. Together with INTI, INVAP collaborates on technical assistance in Management Technologies within the Kaizen T.A.N.G.O. Project conducted jointly with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), aiming to enhance process efficiency geared towards production, and the implementation of a Management System for technical procedures.