The We Are Innovation Podcast

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández engaged in an illuminating discussion with Leonardas Marcinkevičius about the controversial Digital Euro project and its implications for European monetary policy. Marcinkevičius, an expert at the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI) specializing in monetary policy, inflation, and public finance, shared insights from the recently published Epicenter report “Digital Euro: Is a CBDC Really Necessary for Europeans?” The conversation delved into crucial aspects of the European Central Bank's Digital Euro. Marcinkevičius examined how this new form of currency would transform the existing dual system of commercial and central bank money, while addressing concerns about the proposed free-of-charge Digital Euro accounts and their impact on financial institutions. Drawing from real-world examples like the Nigeria eNaira's low adoption rate, the discussion explored potential challenges and differences in the European context. The episode also tackled critical security considerations, highlighting previous ECB system breaches and the implications of centralizing digital currency infrastructure. Particularly noteworthy was the analysis of the Digital Euro's role in monetary policy, especially its relationship with inflation targets and the controversial mandatory acceptance requirement for merchants. The conversation concluded with a thorough examination of the metrics needed to properly evaluate this significant shift in European monetary policy. Our Guest: Leonardas Marcinkevičius (LTU) is an expert at the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI), focusing on monetary policy, inflation, and public finance. Since October 2022, he has provided in-depth analyses of central bank decisions and economic policy developments. Before joining LFMI, Marcinkevičius worked as a business journalist at Lithuania News Agency ELTA, covering economic issues from March 2021 to October 2022. He is a regular contributor to public debates on monetary policy and economic freedom in Lithuanian media. Links and further reading:  Digital Euro: Is a CBDC Really Necessary for Europeans? - https://cutt.ly/keVqj4d9 [https://cutt.ly/keVqj4d9]  Follow We Are Innovation:  https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 45 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández welcomed Benedict Weerasena, the Research Director of Bait Al Amanah (House of Trust). Benedict brought valuable insights to the discussion on innovation agendas for Indonesia and Malaysia. The conversation began with an in-depth exploration of Indonesia's innovation landscape. Weerasena shared his thoughts on the country's current standing and potential for growth in various sectors. He then delved into the concept of the Entrepreneurial Rail Model (ERM) in Indonesia, explaining its significance and potential impact on the nation's innovation ecosystem. The dialogue also covered strategies for creating a pro-innovation environment in Indonesia that would encourage positive changes in consumer behavior, potentially driving economic growth and technological advancement. Shifting focus to Malaysia, the discussion encompassed several key areas of innovation and development. Weerasena offered his perspective on Malaysia's emerging role as a data center hub in Southeast Asia, outlining the sector's evolution and the innovative policies that could further solidify the country's leadership in this domain. The conversation then turned to Malaysia's well-established electronics manufacturing sector. Our Guest: Benedict Weerasena (MYS) is the Research Director of Bait Al Amanah (House of Trust), based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His research interests include public finance, behavioral economics, development studies, international political economy and education policy. He has participated and presented in various international conferences and economic updates.  You can find his bio on the House of Trust website: https://www.baitalamanah.com/about [https://www.baitalamanah.com/about]  Links and further reading:  We Are Innovation and Bait Al Amanah Team Up: Innovation Without Borders Comes to Malaysia - https://cutt.ly/IeDwYxVD [https://cutt.ly/IeDwYxVD]  The Star: Rethinking the Smoking War – From “Can Malaysia Quit Like Sweden” - https://cutt.ly/IeS6PAKe [https://cutt.ly/IeS6PAKe]  The EU’s Smoke-Free Future and the Role of Innovation – Findings from the Special Eurobarometer 539 - https://cutt.ly/Eurobarometer [https://cutt.ly/Eurobarometer]  Follow We Are Innovation:  https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 45 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández welcomed Gökhan Tok, an expert from Access Partnership specializing in global digital policies and regulations. Tok shared his insights on the critical role of satellite technology in disaster response and management. The discussion delved into why satellites are particularly crucial during disaster situations, with Tok providing recent examples where this technology proved instrumental in relief efforts. He explained how satellites contribute to predicting and monitoring natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, emphasizing their importance in early warning systems. Tok introduced the concept of a “National Emergency Telecommunications Plan” and elaborated on its significance in disaster preparedness. The conversation also covered the supportive role of organizations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in helping countries leverage satellite technology for disaster management. The podcast explored the regulatory challenges faced by countries in utilizing satellite communications for emergency response, as well as the collaborative efforts between the satellite industry, governments, and NGOs to provide connectivity in disaster-affected areas. To conclude, Tok offered his perspective on emerging satellite technologies and applications that he believes will significantly enhance disaster response capabilities in the coming years. Our Guest: Gökhan Tok (TUR) works at Access Partnership on global digital policies and regulations, with a particular focus on market access, technological convergence, next generation connectivity, and data governance.  You can find his bio on the Access Partnership website: https://accesspartnership.com/team-directory/gokhan-tok/ [https://accesspartnership.com/team-directory/gokhan-tok/]  Links and further reading:  The Role of Satellite Communications in Disaster Management - https://cutt.ly/TeTQvSRP [https://cutt.ly/TeTQvSRP]  Follow We Are Innovation:  https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 45 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández interviewed Jonas Herby, a Special Consultant at CEPOS, a Danish think tank. Herby, an expert in regulation and socio-economic analysis, discussed his research on the significant increase in EU legislation since the Maastricht Treaty. The conversation covered various aspects of EU regulation, beginning with the staggering 729 percent increase in EU legislation since 1992. Herby delved into the factors driving this growth and examined the von der Leyen Commission's regulatory activity, which has seen a 14 percent increase since 2020 despite claims to simplify laws. He also explored the shift from directives to regulations in EU lawmaking and its implications for member states. Throughout the discussion, Herby addressed the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, questioning whether the current trend in EU regulation adheres to these principles. He offered insights into the concept of the EU becoming a “regulatory superpower” and its potential consequences. The impact of EU regulations on Denmark's sovereignty and ability to create tailored national policies was also a key topic, with Herby noting that EU regulations account for about 60 percent of the total growth in Danish regulatory volume. To conclude the episode, Herby responded to a thought-provoking question about citizens' willingness to accept regulators treating them as unable to protect their own rights. He then offered his recommendations for policymakers at both the EU and national levels to address the issues raised in his report, providing listeners with a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complexities surrounding EU regulation and its effects on member states. Our Guest: Jonas Herby (DNK) is a Special Consultant at CEPOS, a Danish think tank. He is an expert in regulation with a focus on the consequences of the extensive regulation of the Danes' daily lives. Jonas is also an expert in socio-economic analysis and has helped develop the Ministry of Transport's official models and unit prices. He is also the host of two podcasts. In Regelstaten [https://regelstaten.captivate.fm/], he talks to experts, opinion leaders and more about how regulations affect our society and what they mean for the everyday lives of individual Danes. In Economic Principles [https://okonomiske-principper.captivate.fm/], listeners are introduced to key economic topics and concepts and get a broad introduction to basic economic thinking.  You can find his bio and social media profiles on the CEPOS website: https://cepos.dk/author-collection/jonas-herby/ [https://cepos.dk/author-collection/jonas-herby/]  Links and further reading:  EU Regulatory Volume has Doubled Since the Treaty of Lisbon - https://cutt.ly/DenU9A4w [https://cutt.ly/DenU9A4w]  Permissionless Innovation, Europe’s Path to Redemption - https://cutt.ly/venU3itV [https://cutt.ly/venU3itV]  Follow We Are Innovation:  TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 45 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández welcomed May-Ann Lim, Director of the Data Governance team at Access Partnership. Drawing from her extensive experience in technology policy, May-Ann offered valuable insights into the complex world of online safety for children. The conversation delved into the multifaceted concept of “online safety” and explored the intricate components of the digital safety ecosystem. May-Ann discussed how these elements work together to protect young users in an increasingly connected world. The discussion also touched on the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on internet usage patterns and the evolving landscape of online risks for children. Federico and May-Ann examined why relying solely on parental responsibility for online safety is insufficient, advocating instead for a collective approach backed by recent research. They analyzed various governmental approaches to regulating online platforms for child safety, considering both the merits and limitations of these strategies. The episode also highlighted the crucial role of schools in promoting online safety and digital citizenship, exploring ways to integrate these vital skills into existing educational frameworks. May-Ann offered her perspective on striking a balance between harnessing the potential benefits of AI and internet use for children's learning and creativity while safeguarding them from online harms. Our Guest: May-Ann Lim (SGP) is the Director of Data Governance team at Access Partnership and is concurrently the Emeritus Director of the Asia Cloud Computing Association (ACCA). Links and further reading:  AI makes kids' online safety a lot trickier. Here are 5 ways parents, caregivers can take charge - https://cutt.ly/VegCGQEk [https://cutt.ly/VegCGQEk]  How to talk about AI with your kids - https://cutt.ly/eegCHB7Y [https://cutt.ly/eegCHB7Y]  Follow We Are Innovation:  TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensoundhttps://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 40 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].