PROGRAM
South Meets North
GTIPA’s Argentina Summit 2025
September 23
Buenos Aires, Argentina
by Federico N. Fernández (FIB, WAI) and Stephen Ezell (ITIF, GTIPA)
“Reform and Deregulation of the Argentine State”
Description: TBA
Speaker:
- Maximiliano Fariña (ARG), Secretary of State Transformation and Public Service, Ministry of Deregulation and Transformation of the State of the Argentine Nation
Moderator: Federico N. Fernández (ARG), CEO, We Are Innovation
“Competitive Advantages in the New Global Nuclear Renaissance”
Description: This session will explore how nuclear expertise and technological ecosystems around the world, with Argentina as a key case study, are positioned in this emerging "nuclear summer." It will discuss how energy infrastructure can meet the exponential growth in energy demands driven by artificial intelligence technologies, creating opportunities for countries to become global AI hubs powered by clean nuclear energy.
Speaker:
- Federico Ramos Napoli (ARG), Gerente General, Dioxitec
Moderator: Federico N. Fernández (ARG), CEO, We Are Innovation
“Adapting Regulation for the Innovation Economy,” discussion of the deregulation report by GTIPA
Description: This panel will explore GTIPA's groundbreaking deregulation report, examining successful regulatory reform cases from around the world. Speakers will analyze diverse approaches to eliminating restrictive regulations across different economies and political systems.
Speakers:
- Mario Ottero Cricco (ARG), Policy Fellow, ITIF
- Natalia Gonzalez (CHI), Public Policy Advisor, Libertad y Desarrollo
- Luis E. Loria (CRI), President and Founder, IDEAS Labs
- John Paolo R. Rivera (PHL), senior research fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies
- Małgorzata Bonikowska (POL), President, Polish Think Tank
Moderator: Stefano da Empoli (ITA), I-Com
“2025 Latin American Subnational Innovation Competitiveness Index”
Description: This presentation will unveil the comprehensive "2025 Latin American Subnational Innovation Competitiveness Index," benchmarking 182 regions across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the United States. Using 13 key indicators measuring knowledge economy strength, globalization integration, and innovation capacity, the index provides crucial insights for policymakers and investors.
Speakers:
- Carolina Agurto (PER), Executive Director, Fundación Ideas
- Pablo Eguiguren (CHI), Director de Políticas Públicas, Libertad y Desarrollo
- Vladimir Fernandes Maciel (BRA), Head, Mackenzie Center for Economic Freedom
- Álvaro Monge (PER), General Manager, Macroconsult
Moderator: Mario Ottero Cricco (ARG), Policy Fellow, ITIF
“Free Trade 2.0: Building Prosperity Through Open Markets”
Description: Experts will examine how reduced barriers to cross-border commerce create opportunities for technological collaboration and market expansion. Discussions will highlight Argentina's recent liberalization experience alongside successful trade models from both hemispheres, offering insights on regulatory harmonization, digital trade frameworks, and integration of emerging markets into global value chains. The panel will also address the recent surge in protectionist measures and tariffs implemented by major economies, analyzing their impact on global trade flows and innovation ecosystems.
Speakers:
- Hubertus Bardt (GER), German Economic Institute
- Horacio Arana (ARG), Senior Research Fellow of Fundación Intl. Bases
- Iván Cachanosky (ARG), Director of the Master's Degree in Economics and Political Science at ESEADE
- Marcelo Elizondo (ARG), Professor, ITBA
- Jan Hagemejer (POL), President of CASE
Moderator: Sean Randolph (USA), Senior Director, Bay Area Council Economic Institute
“Life Sciences Innovation: Strategic Policies for Emerging Ecosystems”
Description: This panel examines the regulatory frameworks and support policies needed to cultivate life sciences innovation ecosystems in developing nations. Experts will analyze strategies to strengthen intellectual property protection, attract R&D investment, foster academia-industry collaboration, and develop specialized talent, identifying practical solutions that balance access to health technologies with incentives for sustainable biomedical innovation.
Speakers:
- Cairo Jennings (USA), Intellectual Property Attaché for Mercosur
- Mónika Melo Guerrero (DOM), Vice Chancellor of Research, Instituto OMG
- Mark Schultz (USA), Professor, University of Akron School of Law; Faculty Chair, IPPI: The Intellectual Property Policy Institute
- Maria de Lourdes Vazquez (ARG), Dean, Law School at Universidad de San Andrés
Moderator: Stephen Ezell, Vice President, Global Innovation Policy, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
“Lithium Ecosystems and the Transformation of Energy Markets”
Description: This panel will explore developments in the global lithium industry with a focus on Argentina's position in the 'Lithium Triangle.' Speakers will discuss how countries are leveraging lithium reserves to meet growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage while implementing innovative technologies to minimize environmental impact in delicate ecosystems. Panelists will address the universal balance between production growth and sustainability, and opportunities for resource-rich regions to advance beyond raw material extraction into higher-value segments of the global lithium supply chain, examining Argentina's strategy alongside international approaches.
Speakers:
Cecilia Domínguez (ARG), Head of Sustainability and Environment , Cámara Argentina de Empresas Mineras
Miguel Gimenez Zapiola (ARG), Head of Corporate Affairs, Eramine Sudámerica SA
Ignacio Celorrio (ARG), EVP, Lithium Argentina Corp
Ventsislav Benov (BGR), Business Development Manager, ARC Fund
Moderator: Sebastián Penelli (ARG), Ámbito Financiero
“Fintech Revolution: Global Trends”
Description: This panel will examine the flourishing fintech ecosystem worldwide, highlighting how high smartphone penetration and limited traditional banking access have driven innovation in digital payments, cryptocurrency, and digital banking in various markets, including Argentina. Speakers will discuss standout companies like Mercado Pago alongside global counterparts and emerging startups transforming financial landscapes through digital lending, investment platforms, and blockchain solutions. The session will also explore regulatory developments and fintech's role in expanding financial inclusion across different economic contexts.
Speakers:
- Zoltan Cséfalvay (HUN), MCC Centre for Next Technological Futures
- Syed Munir Khasru (AUS/BGD), Chairman, The Institute for Policy, Advocacy, and Governance (IPAG)
- Jorge Acosta (ARG), Head of Finance, Ualá
- Marcos Piccardo (ARG), Managing Director, dLocal
- Guillermo Peña (HON), Strategic Alliances Director, Universidad de la Libertad
Moderator: Martín Sarano, Fundación Interacional Bases