Santiago del Estero was the setting for a historic gathering for the Argentine technology ecosystem. There, international figure in innovation, education and blockchain, Marina Marchesotti, director of the Blockchain and Web3 area at the IALAB of the University of Buenos Aires and member of the Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA), spoke with CANAL 7 and EL LIBERAL about the role of technology in the social, political and economic transformation the world is undergoing.
Polkadot is a protocol that connects blockchains, enabling the transfer of value and data across networks that were previously incompatible (for example, Bitcoin and Ethereum). It is also designed to be fast and scalable.
The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) is the first of its kind: an educational programme covering the conceptual foundations and practical application of blockchain technology, using Polkadot and Substrate as its basis.
Marchesotti highlighted that her role within the global academy consists of linking educational development with institutions around the world, generating academic agreements and building bridges between technology, culture and cities.
Training for Politicians and Business Leaders
Polkadot’s arrival in Santiago del Estero takes place in the context of training decision-makers. “We have programmes not only for developers, but also for politicians, business leaders and social figures. We identified the need to train those who directly influence the building of societies,” she explained.
In recent months, PBA has delivered international training programmes, including one recently conducted in Indonesia for 62 officials, business leaders and project leaders. “We must also educate those at the top,” says Marchesotti, “because this technology is not only for engineers. It is designed to address social challenges and promote values such as democracy, transparency and security.”
A Global Project Arrives in Santiago
The visit of Marchesotti and Polkadot creator Dr. Gavin Wood brought together Norte Grande officials, business leaders and political figures in Santiago del Estero. For the specialist, this gathering reflects the country’s potential: “I am proud of what is happening in Argentina. Gavin Wood recognises it too: we have an immense intellectual capital and a great capacity to adopt new technologies.”
During the day, PBA presented international cases where governments are already adopting this infrastructure. Hong Kong, for example, has designated Polkadot as its official blockchain, whilst in Indonesia work is under way to put the country “on chain.”
What Can Blockchain Do for Governments?
Marchesotti explained that blockchain makes it possible to guarantee digital identity, prevent usurpation, ensure traceability and reduce intermediaries. “We are not talking about products,” she added, “but about sovereignty, governability and protecting democratic life in a world shaped by complex technologies.”
Beyond Cryptocurrencies
For the specialist, one of the great misconceptions is associating blockchain exclusively with cryptocurrencies. “Cryptocurrency is merely one of the thousands of things that can be built with this technology. What is central is security.”
Polkadot, created by Wood, is based on principles of decentralisation and open-source code. “Anyone who trains at the Polkadot Blockchain Academy can use that technology in their own projects. It is an enormous opportunity for entrepreneurs.”
Will There Be a Polkadot Hub in Santiago del Estero?
Marchesotti revealed that there is strong official interest: “It would be wonderful. Today we are holding meetings with the governor and local authorities, who are thinking about creating a technology hub and incorporating blockchain education at all levels.”
The gathering included the presence of 80 politicians and business leaders from the Norte Grande region, who participated in a lecture by Wood and digital governance specialist Primavera de Filippi.
The Regulatory Challenge: Regulating the Future with Rules of the Future
Marchesotti closed by noting that current regulations were designed for a world that no longer exists. “It is like using laws from the era of horse-drawn carts to regulate autonomous vehicles. Technology has moved forward and the rules must keep pace with that evolution.”
Source: El Liberal