The government will move forward with a tender to grant a concession for Tecnópolis and put an end to its historic deficit.

The National Government announced that starting this Monday it will launch a tender to move forward with the concession of Tecnópolis. The objective is for the site to operate under a private investment scheme and no longer require State funding.

The measure was confirmed by the Chief of Cabinet, Manuel Adorni, who emphasized that "the site will never again be a burden on Argentinians' pockets".

The process doesn't involve the sale of the asset, but rather the transfer of its operation to a private operator for a specified period and under previously established contractual conditions. In a scheme like this, the State retains ownership of the site and sets the operating rules, while the concessionaire assumes management and the necessary investments.

A model used in infrastructure and public spaces

The concession is a mechanism widely used in various fields, such as highways, airports, transportation terminals, and public spaces. The State retains ownership of the asset but delegates its administration to ensure operational efficiency and economic sustainability. Once the agreed period ends, the asset returns to the State's domain.

In the case of Tecnópolis, the decision aims to end a historically deficit-ridden scheme and transform the site into a space capable of sustaining itself without contributions from the Treasury. This measure is aligned with the Government's general policy of reducing inefficient expenses that Argentinians faced.

Origin and evolution of the site

Tecnópolis was conceived in 2010, during the second term of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, as an exhibition linked to the commemoration of the Bicentennial. After an initial postponement, it opened its doors in July 2011 in Villa Martelli, on land belonging to the national State.

During its early years, it operated as a free-access space with interactive exhibitions, themed pavilions, and cultural shows. However, its management was always under State funding. This led to recurring questions about its lack of economic sustainability and the political use of the space.

Over time, the site underwent changes in focus, periods of low activity, and partial closures, including interruptions during the pandemic. At various stages, alternatives were considered to modify its operating scheme, although without structural changes.

The shift under Milei's administration

Since Javier Milei took office in December 2023, Tecnópolis has been subject to a comprehensive review of the State's role in cultural activities. The site came under the Secretariat of Culture. In addition, it underwent a significant budget adjustment, with a review of contracts, programs, and administrative structure.

Throughout 2024, the Executive branch announced its intention to move toward a self-sustaining model. In this context, it evaluated various alternatives such as total or partial concession, holding paid events, and incorporating private investment. Ultimately, the Government chose the concession scheme.

Executive officials indicated that, under the previous format, the park was running a deficit and that the State should not support such ventures. By leasing different areas of the site to private parties, they estimate annual revenue of around 1.4 billion pesos.

Currently, the park is under the leadership of Juan Manuel Aranda, a master in public policy appointed in September 2024 by Sandra Petovello. The tender will mark a turning point in the management of Tecnópolis. The site will align its direction with the Government's goal of promoting efficiency, private investment, and fiscal order.