President & CEO
Freebalance
"Governments cannot afford to become tenants of their own digital state. AI is not just another technology governments procure; it is becoming part of the machinery of government itself. The decisions we make now about who controls the data, the algorithms and the infrastructure will determine who holds power tomorrow. At FreeBalance, we believe sovereignty in the age of AI means something very practical: control and choice. Governments must own their decisions, preserve their ability to choose, and ensure AI serves national priorities and the public interest not the other way around."
Manuel Schiappa Pietra is a global technology executive focused on the intersection of digital government, artificial intelligence, sovereignty, and public trust.
As President and CEO of FreeBalance, Manuel works with governments around the world to strengthen public institutions through trusted digital infrastructure, better financial data, and responsible technology. He advocates for an approach to digital transformation that enables governments to embrace AI and emerging technologies while maintaining sovereignty over critical systems, data, and public-sector decision-making.
His work explores how technology can make governments more transparent, resilient, and effective while delivering better outcomes for citizens. He is a strong advocate for tech diplomacy, digital sovereignty, and human-centered government, bringing together perspectives from technology, public policy, international development, and institutional reform.
Beyond FreeBalance, Manuel serves as a Supervisory Board Member of the Tech Diplomacy Global Institute, contributing to the global dialogue on the geopolitical, economic, and societal implications of emerging technologies. He also advises the Portuguese Presidency through the Conselho da Diáspora Portuguesa.
A frequent international speaker, Manuel brings a global perspective to discussions on the future of government, AI-ready institutions, digital sovereignty, public-sector innovation, and technology’s role in strengthening trust between governments and citizens.