FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
We Are Innovation Celebrates Growth to 50 Partners Across Four Continents
The We Are Innovation global network just reached an extremely important milestone. After six years of existence, the organization is celebrating its 50th partner, after securing a collaboration agreement with Zambia’s Blockchain and Web3 Community Network (BWCN).
We Are Innovation was established in 2019, under the name Somos Innovación (SI). Originally, it was formed by over twenty five Latin American organizations that decided to join forces towards a more innovative region, advocating for alternative approaches to several problems – from economical struggles to public health issues – based on evidence. Following this premise, the network’s first big project consisted of the largest ever independent survey on the public’s attitude towards innovation in Latin America. This survey, published in 2020, highlighted that most people in the region wanted more innovation in their lives, through, for instance, better access to a more diverse range of goods and services, interesting career opportunities or better paying jobs.
The following year, in 2021, We Are Innovation launched its first documentary – “Detrás de La Nube” (“Behind the Cloud”). The film, divided in three episodes, was directed by the award-winning Polish filmmaker Tomasz Agencki and presents the motivations and struggles of those who want vaping and other alternatives to traditional cigarettes to be allowed in Latin America.
In 2022, We Are Innovation quit being a regional organization and became transcontinental, by expanding to Europe, with the main goal of fighting overregulation and bureaucracy. In 2023 and 2024, the number of partners increased at a good pace and without borders. In January 2024, We Are Innovation landed in Africa, by collaborating with the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), from Ghana. Months later, in October, it secured its presence in Southeast Asia, through granting a partnership with the Malaysian think-tank Bait Al Amanah (House of Trust).
At the moment, the 50 partners of We Are Innovation are located in 28 countries, distributed by 4 continents. These include a wide set of think-thanks, foundations and NGOs, who are interested in promoting innovative solutions that can help solve challenging problems and improve people’s lives. The network has been promoting the cooperation and sharing of knowledge with and between the partners through monthly online meetings, webinars, briefing papers, op-eds, in-person events and invitations to the Somos Innovación and We Are Innovation podcasts. So far, its major projects include:
- The “Swedes’ Views on the Alternatives to Cigarettes. Usage of Alternative Nicotine Products Among Former Cigarette Smokers” opinion poll, which shed light on what enabled ex-smokers in Sweden to turn to Alternative Nicotine Products (ANPs) and what factors influenced their decision-making (April 2023).
- The “Perceptions of Chileans on Digitalization: A National Survey on Their Attitudes and Aspirations” study, which revealed that the Chilean population is strongly inclined towards innovation, being mostly against prohibitions and limitations (September 2023).
- The “Flat Tax: Economic Growth and Fairness for Argentina” position paper, which analyzes the potential benefits Argentina could have through implementing a flat tax (January 2024).
- The “How Sweden Quit Smoking” documentary – perhaps We Are Innovation’s most remarkable project so far. This documentary, also directed by Tomasz Agencki, showcases how Sweden became smoke-free nation. It was screened in private events across three continents and gathered over 1.5 Million views across online platforms (general release in January 2025).
Federico N Fernández, the CEO of We Are Innovation, is extremely proud of this achievement: “Fifty partners across 28 countries on 4 continents represents the coronation of our journey from a regional Latin American initiative to a truly global force for innovation. These partnerships are bridges connecting creative minds across borders who share our vision for evidence-based solutions. While we celebrate this remarkable achievement today, our gaze remains firmly fixed on the horizon, where even more ambitious projects await.”
Tetiana Rak, the Chief Operations Officer, shares: “Since 2023, the We Are Innovation network has grown by nearly 20 new partners, each bringing unique perspectives, background and expertise into our community. We also expanded our presence to a new continent, further strengthening our commitment to building bridges, regions and changemakers. At WAI, we believe that innovations are easier to implement when there is a community willing to challenge norms. That’s why we’re so proud to see our network grow. To every partner who’s joined us on this journey: thank you. And to those we’ve yet to meet: we’re just getting started. Here’s to new milestones, meaningful connections, and building the future full of innovations together!”
Beatriz Santos, the Chief Communications Officer, highlights: “Being a part of We Are Innovation is extremely rewarding. Being able to gather 50 partners demonstrates the power of our network and its clear commitment towards a brighter future, in which the virtues of new technologies and out-of-the-box thinking are fully assessed to improve people’s lives. Furthermore, the fact that our 50 partners are spread through 4 different continents shows that the desire to explore how innovation can change the world for the better is not something local, national or regional – it is truly global. The next step for We Are Innovation is to expand even more – there are, for sure, many meaningful opportunities waiting for us around the globe.”
Achieving 50 partners is an incredible milestone – but definitely not the end. There is still a long path to walk towards a brighter, more innovative future, as well as more regions to explore. Regarding upcoming projects, We Are Innovation unveils three hints: Health, Lusophone World, and Free Trade. Stay tuned!
ENDS
ABOUT WE ARE INNOVATION
We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who deeply believe in innovation’s power to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With 50 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs based worldwide, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, adopting new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are driving global transformative change. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/.
