Forum 3 – Shaping the Future in the Southern Cone: Raw Materials, Energy and Reforms

The Southern Cone is emerging as one of Latin America’s most dynamic regions for innovation in sustainable technologies, biotechnology, renewable energy and the bioeconomy. Chile has established itself as an innovation hub with a vibrant start-up ecosystem, Argentina combines world-class scientific capabilities with an expanding biotechnology sector, Uruguay is gaining international recognition for digital innovation and green technologies, while Paraguay offers significant opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable biofuel production.

At the same time, the region is becoming increasingly strategic for the global energy and green transition due to its abundance of critical raw materials. Chile and Argentina are key players in the global lithium value chain, while Chile is also one of the world’s leading copper producers.

The growing importance of these resources also raises questions about sustainable extraction, technological development and value creation within the region. How can the Southern Cone move beyond the export of raw materials and strengthen processing, technology and industrial capabilities in the region?

The Southern Cone is therefore well positioned to become a strategic partner for Germany and Europe. The region’s combination of abundant natural resources, critical minerals, technological know-how, entrepreneurial talent and growing innovation ecosystems creates new opportunities for investment, research collaboration and business partnerships. Strengthening cooperation around critical raw materials could play an important role in building more resilient and sustainable European-Latin American value chains.

This panel aims to showcase innovative companies from the Southern Cone that are developing sustainable technologies and business models. How are innovation ecosystems evolving across the Southern Cone? How can critical raw materials contribute to new sustainable value chains? And how can Europe and the Southern Cone build strategic partnerships that combine access to resources with technology, innovation and greater local value creation?

Moderation: : Kira Potowski, CEO, AHK Uruguay 

• Carsten Hasbach, Head of Global Affairs, Siemens Energy

• Matthias Kleinhempel, LAV-Commissioner Argentinien, Professor IAE Business School

• Dr. Sebastian Lüning, Vorstand, K-Utec