The Architect of Buenos Aires' Digital Transformation: Reimagining the State with Sandra Dagostino
- Sep 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Sandra Dagostino leads digital transformation in Buenos Aires, focusing on technological sovereignty, cybersecurity, and inclusive digital services for 17 million citizens
True digital transformation in government is not about adopting the latest technology, but about rebuilding the foundation of the state itself to be more sovereign, inclusive, and human-centric.
Sandra Dagostino, undersecretary of Digital Government for the Province of Buenos Aires, and her work is a powerful test of this hypothesis. Facing the immense complexity of Argentina's largest province, she isn't just implementing systems; she's architecting a new digital ecosystem from the ground up, from building a sovereign data center and a provincial cloud to embedding ethics in AI.
This interview explores how her team is turning this ambitious hypothesis into a tangible reality for millions of citizens.
Interview with Sandra Dagostino
What are the main technology initiatives currently being developed by the Province of Buenos Aires?
The Province of Buenos Aires has launched an ambitious digital transformation agenda with projects that represent a turning point in public management.
Among the most significant milestones is the construction of the Province’s First Data Center, the only one in Argentina with international certifications, which marks a fundamental step toward technological sovereignty and the ability to provide services to both provincial agencies and municipalities. This initiative is complemented by the creation of the Provincial Cloud, a pioneering infrastructure that guarantees greater security and autonomy in the management of public data.
At the same time, we are rolling out a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan, which includes regular assessments in each agency, technical support for municipalities, and the organization of Cybersecurity Week. We are also expanding connectivity through the Metropolitan Fiber Optic Network and specific programs for schools, which strengthen the foundations of digital inclusion. Finally, initiatives such as the expansion of the Electronic Document Management System (GDEBA), the new GBA Portal, and the integration of accessible chatbots consolidate a digital ecosystem centered on citizens.
How does the province plan to support the growth of the local tech ecosystem and startups?
The provincial government understands that innovation cannot come only from the State: it must be supported by a dynamic ecosystem of entrepreneurs, startups, and universities.
For this reason, we promote the reuse of technological solutions through public software, encourage training programs in partnership with IPAP and national universities, and strengthen the link between academia and the productive sector.
In addition, we actively participate in international alliances, such as the DETA Alliance, which allows us to cooperate with more than fifteen regional governments on emerging technologies, and a joint project with the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, focused on strengthening the digital presence of non-global languages such as Rioplatense Spanish. These initiatives not only expand our access to cutting-edge knowledge and technology but also position the Province as an innovative player on the global stage.
What role do public–private partnerships play in advancing digital transformation in the province?
Public–private partnerships are a strategic pillar of our digital agenda. Thanks to them, we have been able to secure international financing for key projects such as the Data Center and the Provincial Cloud, which would have been difficult to achieve with public resources alone. They also create a virtuous collaborative environment in which the private sector contributes innovation and scalability, while the State ensures that these solutions remain aligned with the public interest.
One example of this is the joint work with technology companies to develop generative AI-based tools, applied to call center audits, the automatic transcription of audiovisual content, and citizen services through chatbots. These solutions, designed under principles of ethics and digital sovereignty, show how public–private cooperation can become a driving force for modernizing the State.
How is the government addressing digital inclusion to ensure equal access to technology across urban and rural areas?
One of our main commitments is to ensure that access to technology does not depend on where one lives. That is why we are expanding connectivity in municipalities and schools, bringing high-quality internet to rural and peripheral areas. At the same time, we are promoting accessible service platforms, such as the new GBA Portal and the 148 Line with accessible IVR, which make it easier for citizens to interact with the State.
Inclusion is also addressed through digital literacy programs: we provide ongoing training for public officials and citizens, incorporating new skills in digital technologies and artificial intelligence. In addition, by implementing automatic subtitling systems for audiovisual content, we are improving accessibility and reducing barriers for people with disabilities. Our goal is clear: to ensure that all residents of Buenos Aires have equal opportunities to benefit from digital transformation.
What are the biggest challenges the province faces in implementing new technology projects?
The challenges we face are as vast as the Province itself. Buenos Aires has more than 17 million inhabitants, with a highly uneven territorial distribution, which makes planning and executing province-wide projects extremely complex.
Added to this is the need to guarantee sustainable financing for long-term initiatives, and the challenge of driving a cultural shift in public administration, which requires modernizing processes and continuously training teams.
Another crucial challenge is cybersecurity: building citizen trust requires protecting their data and ensuring that digitalization advances in an ethical and secure way. In this regard, we have developed pioneering regulations such as the Guidelines for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence and the AI Rules for Public Administration, which provide a clear framework of rights and responsibilities.
How does the government measure the success and impact of its tech initiatives on citizens and businesses?
Measuring the impact of our digital policies is essential to ensure their effectiveness. We do this through efficiency indicators, such as reducing time and costs in administrative procedures thanks to platforms like GDEBA. We also measure citizen satisfaction levels, evaluating how tools such as chatbots, accessible IVR, or automatic subtitling systems improve the user experience.
In addition, we assess the economic and social impact of these initiatives on the local tech ecosystem, fostering innovation and job creation. Finally, the adoption of advanced regulations on AI and cybersecurity is, in itself, an indicator of success: these instruments consolidate a modern, reliable State aligned with international standards, always keeping citizens at the center of digital transformation.
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