A New Chapter for Technology in the Argentine State
August 13, 2026 marked a turning point for the Secretariat of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Through Decree 730/2026, published in the Boletín Oficial (the Argentine Official Gazette) with the signatures of President Javier Milei and Cabinet Chief Diego Santilli, the change of authorities in one of the government's most strategic portfolios was made official.
Adriana Baravalle, a distinguished professional with a highly technical profile, took over the Secretariat, replacing Darío Genua. According to media reports such as La Nación, the appointment was driven by Santilli following Genua's departure in late July, due to working method differences considered irreconcilable by the Cabinet Chief's circle.
Who is Adriana Baravalle?
The new Secretary holds a Doctorate in Artificial Intelligence from the American Andragogy University and a Master's in Data Science and Knowledge Management from Universidad Austral. She currently serves as the director of the Laboratory of Exponential Technologies at Universidad Austral and is the founder of synapsIA, a regional network of AI experts.
According to the portal La Nueva, Baravalle has an extensive background in cybersecurity, post-quantum cryptography, and critical infrastructures. Furthermore, she was part of the AI and Cybersecurity Table that participated in the elaboration of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy between 2016 and 2019. This incorporation promises to articulate academia, technology, and international policy.
Internal Reorganization and Future Objectives
The replacement of Genua, who was aligned with presidential advisor Santiago Caputo, generated speculation in the corridors of the Casa Rosada (the seat of the Argentine executive branch). However, Santilli's environment assured that it was a strictly operational change, reported by Identidad Correntina. Genua's departure also follows the recent loss of sensitive areas such as Enacom (the national telecommunications regulator), Arsat (the state-owned satellite and telecommunications company), and Correo Argentino (the national postal service), which were transferred directly to the Cabinet Chief's orbit.
Baravalle's Challenges: The Secretariat indicated that her management will focus on deepening innovation policies and the State's technological transformation, promoting the development and adoption of new technologies, and strengthening the articulation between the public sector, private sector, and the scientific and academic ecosystem.
Sources from the Casa Rosada indicated that the new official was introduced to Santilli by Martín Migoya, CEO of Globant (a leading Argentine technology unicorn), underscoring the intention to bring the State closer to a top-tier private technological ecosystem. With this move, the government aims to give a renewed and hopeful boost to the country's digital and scientific agenda.