FEF named finalist in tech & policy global pitch competition

The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) has been named one of the Top 5 finalists in the Freedom to Innovate Shark Tank pitch competition during the second Radical Innovation Summit, held in Mexico City from August 27-29.

Angela Arnante, FEF Assistant Director for Policy and External Relations, represented the organization with her presentation of the ‘ECONnect’ youth education campaign, aimed to address public policy challenges related to artificial intelligence (AI) and decentralized technologies. The campaign specifically strives to empower the country’s young labor force in an era of rapid technological disruption.

“It is a relevant initiative, given that these technologies bring disruption that we should embrace, while also welcoming the opportunities they bring,” said Arnante.

With Filipino youth poised to make up a significant portion of the workforce in the coming years, they are increasingly facing challenges such as rising living costs and a competitive job market. As automation and advanced technologies transform industries, young workers globally recognize the urgent need for continuous upskilling and reskilling. ECONnect seeks to equip the youth with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges successfully.

“Let’s say, for example, that I’m a content creator. I will need to know which AI tools I can use for my content to reach more audience and earn money. Meanwhile, if I’m a student or worker seeking to manage my finances, then perhaps I’m likely to look for money management apps,” Arnante added.

In the coming months, FEF targets to implement the campaign and launch more youth-oriented programs. In 2022, it produced the ECONvo! podcast series on economic issues, repackaging topics about free-market and socialist economies, property rights, and constitutional reforms. In 2023, it launched an extensive campaign on global liberalism and notable liberal thinkers targeting the youth. It is also set to launch its Youth Economic Sessions (YES) initiative to engage students on FEF’s proposed economic reforms throughout the country. 

The Radical Innovation Summit brings together a diverse group of leading AI/Decentralized Technologies thought leaders, investors, academics, and ten policy think tanks worldwide. Qualified think tanks with their policy projects will undergo a “hack-a-thon” style process to refine their policy projects and influence policy discussions and frameworks globally.

The event was organized by the Atlas Network, in collaboration with the Universidad de la Libertad, and attended by over 200 participants from around the world.

By Cesar Ilao III